FS015-26 (North of Wrigley)

FS015-26 (North of Wrigley) – July 22, 2026, 4:30pm
 

Weather Conditions: 

Today will be warm with a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. Any storm could produce lightning, gusty and shifting winds, and brief heavy rain. Overall fire weather conditions are moderated by higher humidity and light winds, but lightning remains the primary concern for new fire starts. Cooler, wetter weather is expected Friday as a cold front moves through, bringing stronger northerly winds and scattered showers.
 

Incident Status: 

• The planned ignition operation brought the fire right up to the old fire break across the Hodgson Bridge. 
• Crews will put out all fire up to a 100-foot perimeter along the fire break.
• There were three spot fires that made it to the South side of Hodgson Creek. Crews are at the location to put them out with pump and hose.
• We have not been able to fly any aircraft due to the smoke.
• The fire remains approximately 5 km north of the community. Most of the growth occurred on the easterly side of the fire’s perimeter, burning further into the mountain range. 
• The priority continues to be securing the overall south flank of the fire and this objective will continue.
• The priority continues to be securing the overall south flank of the fire and this objective will continue.
• Structure protection continues, and the high-volume water suppression system has been installed at the northern perimeter of the community as a precaution. 
• No losses of cabins or structures reported or observed at this time.
• All remaining residents have been asked to evacuate the community as a precaution. For evacuee supports, visit: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/public-safety/services-and-supports-evacuees

Incident Actions: 

• Crews are in place to closely monitor the planned ignition with hose and pumps at the ready to manage the fire’s planned burn area. This ignition operation will remove forest fuel in the wildfire’s path at the north and east end of the community just west of Hodgson Creek.
• A high-volume water suppression system is in place at the northern perimeter of the community as a precaution. This system will protect the community and shore up the fire break if needed (See photos).
• Smoke in the area is making it challenging for firefighting from the air, but pilots are taking any opportunity to drop water on the southern flank and any new hot spots created by the fire.
• Firefighters, structure protection specialists, and heavy equipment continue work on clearing brush and trees at the community’s edge and cleaning up and expanding the community’s fire break. 
• Structure protection has been deployed, expanded and tested across the community and on critical infrastructure/homes. 
• Danger Tree Fallers continue to work with the community in identifying trees for removal around critical infrastructure and homes.