Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, residents of Fort Norman and Norman Wells are returning home.
---Applause
Although the forest fire which forced the evacuation continues to burn, it is not a threat to the communities at this time. The caterpillar tractors are completing a fireguard between the fire and the communities and the perimeter of the fire is being closely monitored. An infrared scanner is being used to find hot spots which must be dug up and watered down to be put out. Over the next 10 days, the fireguard will be completed and fire crews and air tankers will remain on site to help put out hot spots.
Now that the communities are no longer threatened, this will be my final statement on the Sahtu forest fire. Once again, I would like to thank the fire crews who continue their hard work, those people who helped and opened their homes to the evacuees, and the residents of Fort Norman and Norman Wells for their patience and cooperation. As the weather forecast continues to be for hot and dry conditions, I remind everyone, as the weekend approaches, to be careful when out on the land. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause