N.W.T. Highway 3 closed due to wildfire, Yellowknife sets up sprinklers as precaution

Highway 3 between Yellowknife and Behchokǫ̀ is closed due to a wildfire.

In an update shared shortly after 5 p.m. on Saturday, officials say the fire was expected to reach the highway "imminently" from the north side between kilometres 283 and 288. 

Earlier in the day, N.W.T. Fire said it expected the wildfire burning toward Yellowknife to grow between five and 10 kilometres to the east and south on Saturday, and is "highly likely" to reach Highway 3 — the city's only road connection to the rest of the territory — in the afternoon or early evening.

Despite the growth, N.W.T. Fire said the city was not at risk. 

"While the smoke columns due to expected fire behaviour today will be highly visible, they are not as close as they look," reads an update from the agency. 

The fire's burn area has reached nearly 114,500 hectares. It was last measured 37 kilometres northwest of Yellowknife and within one kilometre of Highway 3 at kilometre marker 284. 

A highway closure would be reported on the territory's highway conditions map.

The territory issued an evacuation order for property owners between kilometres 284 and 306, including the Boundary Creek area, on Friday afternoon. 

"The fire has not approached Boundary Creek … Reaching Boundary Creek is unlikely today, but not impossible," reads the update. "If you haven't left yet, do so for your safety."

N.W.T. Fire said airtankers would continue to take on the fire "as long as visibility allows" on Saturday. 

Crews also continue to set up sprinklers and use specialized gel to try and protect buildings along the highway. 

"Another challenging day ahead – with winds forecast to again come from the northwest with no rain – extreme fire behaviour and growth to the south and east expected," reads N.W.T. Fire's update. 

City brings in sprinklers

Saturday afternoon, the city said it is working with the territorial government "to mitigate any potential future risk to Yellowknife."

That includes installing sprinklers and creating firebreaks to the west of the city. 

"Residents may see large equipment operating in these areas as crews commence operations," reads an update from the city. 

It also reiterated the city is not at risk and the measures are precautionary.