Officials in Northwest Territories say they are preparing for "extremely challenging" wildfire activity this week as they tell residents of a First Nation community to prepare for a possible evacuation.
Officials say a 100-square-kilometre wildfire burning southwest of Whatì is the territory's No. 1 priority fire.
In a public update, territorial officials say Thursday is likely to be "extremely challenging" with meaningful fire growth to the north, closer to the community.
Officials say the future growth potential is concerning even though there's no immediate threat to Whatì and large water bodies nearby are a significant barrier to its spread.
Whatì has been under an evacuation notice since Monday evening.
Officials say drought conditions are making the wildfire difficult to fight and it has not responded to suppression efforts.
Severe smoke made it more difficult for airtankers to help battle the flames on Wednesday because of limited visibility.
Extreme fire danger is expected in the area for at least the next week, according to a federal wildfires forecast.
Large swathes of Northwest Territories are under drought conditions, with pockets of extreme drought emerging along the border with British Columbia, according to the latest Canadian Drought Monitor.
Climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, is making droughts more frequent and severe in Canada, scientists say.
That's also helping to fuel the dry conditions that feed severe wildfire seasons, which are also getting worse as the planet warms.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 27, 2025.
Jordan Omstead, The Canadian Press
