The wildfire in Hay River remains out of control and was last mapped at 404,154 hectares burned.
The blaze stands just 1km west of the airport, 1.5km west of the town’s centre, and 1km west of West Point First Nation. Additionally, the blaze has reached and damaged structures in Paradise Garden and Patterson Road.
According to officials, temperatures of up to 30°C combined with heavy winds and extremely dry conditions are expected to cause severe fire activity in the north and east. Firefighting efforts will focus on these risks over the coming days.
NWT Fire says no structural damage has been recorded in the most populated residential neighbourhoods in Hay River or any critical infrastructure; however, some losses have been confirmed west of town on the shores of Great Slave Lake, including two cabins and a travel trailer.
Crews say they will begin attacking the northwestern portion of the blaze today depending on conditions with focus on the western perimeter of Hay River. Additionally, potential ignition operation planning is underway to create stronger protection for the population centre.
