The Fire Danger system in the NWT is moving to a five-step expression of fire danger level to align with other Canadian agencies, and provide stronger guidance to residents and land-users.

The new system adds another level of fire danger – Very High – between high and extreme. This provides for clearer guidance for residents – ensuring the “Extreme” fire danger level is now reserved for the most severe conditions.

Residents are urged to take this change seriously as summer approaches – if fire danger is High, Very High, or Extreme, the likelihood of new starts and rapid growth is serious.

Alongside this change there will be an increase in the number of fire danger sign locations across the NWT including staffed territorial parks, highway signs, and high traffic areas such as boat launches.   

Accompanying the physical sign updates, the department will run a public education campaign to build awareness of the changes and what they mean for northerners and visitors.

Fire Danger and You details the changes, why they matter, and what to look for as this evolution is implemented.

For media requests, please contact:
Mike Westwick
Manager, Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation       
Environment and Climate Change
Government of the Northwest Territories
Mike_Westwick@gov.nt.ca
867-688-0958