Working together to Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires

Preventing human-caused wildfires is a shared responsibility, and we encourage residents and visitors to keep this front of mind this season.

Forest officers are conducting patrols in areas surrounding Yellowknife and across the entire territory to support wildfire prevention efforts and promote compliance with territorial wildfire legislation. 

As wildfire danger increases throughout the summer, officers will monitor compliance with fire restrictions and provide information on other activities that pose a risk for wildfires. Individuals found to be in violation of wildfire legislation may be subject to enforcement action, including fines.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to check current fire restrictions and wildfire conditions before heading outdoors. Make sure campfires are fully extinguished before leaving them unattended. Use the SOAK, STIR, SOAK, REPEAT method and remember: if the air above where the fire was is not cool, the fire is not out.

Get more information

• Visit NWT Wildfire Updates for current and forecast fire danger in your area, wildfire updates, and regional fire restrictions.
• Follow your community government and NWT Parks for information on fire restrictions in your community or parks you plan to visit. 
• Learn more about wildfire prevention and safety.
• Make your place a FireSmart place with resources from FireSmart NWT
• Report wildfires by calling 1-877-NWT-FIRE (1-877-698-3473).

For media requests, please contact: 
Mike Westwick
Manager, Prevention and Mitigation
Forest Management Division
Government of the Northwest Territories
Mike_Westwick@gov.nt.ca