Road conditions

For information on road conditions and closures in the NWT:

Check: Department of Infrastructure (INF) website

Call: 1-800-661-0750

Follow: @GNWT_INF on Twitter

Fire bans and park closures

Contact your community or check their website for the latest information on community fire bans. Find contact information here.

Any fire bans on territorial land which is not in communities will be included in daily and weekly updates.

For information on fire bans in the City of Yellowknife, check the City’s website.

For information on fire bans in territorial parks, check NWT Parks website or follow @NWTParks on Facebook and Twitter.

Preventing Wildfires Starts With You

The most dangerous wildfires are caused by humans – they’re usually closer to places where there are people or property than those caused naturally.

Doing your part by taking simple steps in your day-to-day can go a long way to preventing that risk:

• Keep campfires safe: Bring a bucket to snuff out the fire with water or sand. Soak it, stir it, and soak it again. Make sure there’s no sign of fire before you leave.
• If you see something, say something: If you’re out for a hike, bike, or drive, keep an eye out for fires or smoke. Call the wildfire hotline and let us know.
• Report unattended campfires: If you can, put them out yourself. Even a small fire can spread quickly in the right conditions.
• Be careful when you butt-out: Instead of throwing your cigarette out of the car, put it out and use a pull-out stop to drop it in the garbage. Just one cigarette can cause millions of dollars in damage if you’re unlucky – and you don’t want to be that person. 
• If there’s a fire ban, it’s for a reason: It’s because the risk is high that if a fire escapes control, it’s going to be really tough to put out. So do your part.
• If you’re using fireworks, be smart: keep it to clear areas with no other flammables or woods nearby. It is your legal responsibility to ensure any firework used near a forest is completely out before you leave the area.  No light show is worth destroying forests or putting your friends at-risk.

Don’t let carelessness cause the next wildfire.

Get FireSmart

Protecting communities, properties, and each other from wildfire danger is everyone’s responsibility. So we’re calling on everyone to get FireSmart.

FireSmart means taking responsibility at you home, cabin, camp, business, or community to keep the risk of damage from fire as low as possible.

It all starts at home

Taking simple steps to remove fuel sources around your home can help control your risk.

• Focus on 10 metres around your home. Cut your grass, clean up vegetation, dry sticks, and anything else that can burn.

• Consider a sprinkler system to keep the ground damp – but always follow any restrictions on water use to ensure your community maintains good water supply
• Download the FireSmart Canada app or visit the website for more tips on keeping your home or cabin safe.

Protecting communities is a team effort

Community leaders can lead by using the FireSmart guide to plan for their communities – and putting community wildfire protection plans to work.

• Make it a community effort – encourage your community to get out and volunteer with clean up ahead of peak fire season.
• We’re here to help – get in touch with your regional ECC office for advice when developing your community plan.

The FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program is a great way to help make your community or neighbourhood FireSmart. If you and your neighbours would like to learn more about the program contact your local ECC office or visit the FireSmart Canada website.