Mo Fahim

Evacuees from the Liidlii Kue First Nation and the village of Fort Simpson are heading to Yellowknife after a wildfire spotted close to the airport Friday spread. An evacuation order was issued Sunday night. In a message on Sunday, Yellowknife city officials said the Multiplex has been activated as a reception and lodging centre for evacuees and will be closed to the public until further notice.

On Sunday, Wildland firefighters mobilized aggressive responses to wildfires in the Dehcho within 7 km of the Fort Simpson airport and another within 12 km of Wrigley. Another lightning-caused fire was detected about 19 km from Hay River, within the 2023 burn area.

An evacuation order has been issued for Liidlii Kue and Fort Simpson after a wildfire broke out near the airport on Friday. Evacuees from the two communities are being welcomed to the city of Yellowknife, to take shelter at the Multiplex at 41 Kam Lake Road.

FS015 has expanded northwards of Wrigley but remains about 12 km north of the community, say NWT Fire officials as of their latest report 3 p.m. Sunday.“The fire grew significantly to the north and somewhat to the west and will be highly visible from the community, but has not moved closer to town,” said Wildland fire crews.

After ten new fires were detected in the N.W.T., Wildland Fire officials issued a bulletin warning that an out of control fire has advanced within 12 km north of the community of Wrigley. Officials advised that as of 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, FS015 had not advanced closer. “At this time, the fire has not moved closer to Wrigley, and current wind conditions are favourable.” Six airtankers are actioning the fire.