The wildfire between Yellowknife and Behchokǫ̀ remains out of control and was last mapped at 113,097 hectares burned.
NWT Fire says they are expecting high fire activity if suppression efforts are not successful.
“Friday may be a very challenging day,” NWT Fire says. “There is the possibility of significant growth to the east and south as the winds are expected to shift northwesterly,” they add.
According to NWT Fire, the primary focus has shifted to protection efforts on the east side of the blaze, closest to Yellowknife.
“Our number one priority in the coming days will be doing everything we can to slow its growth in that direction,” NWT Fire says. “Today will be a critical day in these efforts,” they add.
NWT Fire says air crews are hitting the east side of the flames with as much tanker action as possible to reduce fire intensity in preparation for winds that could blow the flames towards the capital.
Presently, the blaze stands around 42-43km from the city, and a fire retardant line has been established from Great Slave Lake to the north.
NWT Fire adds a controlled burn has been planned but will most likely be executed at a later date due to a high volume of winds.
The City of Yellowknife is not currently at risk.
