Regional fire restrictions are being implemented prohibiting any open flames and other activities effective immediately.    

These restrictions are effective through May 17 and may be extended if necessary. They apply to following communities and land between them not under federal jurisdiction:

South Slave:

• Fort Providence
• Kakisa
• Fort Smith
• Hay River
• K’átł’odeeche First Nation
• Salt River First Nation
• Fort Resolution

Maps for the regional ban is attached showing the extent of the area these restrictions apply to. The restrictions apply to all territorial parks. 

These bans are being implemented due to high to extreme wildfire danger and extraordinary weather and drought conditions. These restrictions are intended to help protect communities, values at risk and our wildfire firefighters by limiting avoidable person-caused fires which could become a threat to people and property.

Terms of fire ban – you may not:

• Start, tend, or use open fire outdoors, including in an open fire pit or burn barrel
• Discharge firearms with incendiary or tracer ammunition
• Shoot or detonate exploding targets
• Shoot fireworks or firecrackers
• Ignite sky lanterns
• Ignite signal flare devices or pyrotechnic bear bangers unless in an emergency situation
• Store flare devices, bear bangers, fireworks or firecrackers in a manner that may cause them to be ignited
• Burn permits are temporarily cancelled while the order is in effect

The use of closed stoves, barbeques, furnaces, or other devices suitable for containing fire may be used (including CSA or ULC approved gas and propane barbeques and fire pits).

The use of fire for exercising Aboriginal or treaty rights by Indigenous peoples are exempt from these restrictions.

For the latest:

• Wildfire updates, visit NWT Fire:
  • Online
  • On Facebook
• Public safety information, visit the Public Safety Page
• Highway conditions, visit the Highway Conditions Map

If you see violations, please report them by calling 1-877-NWT-FIRE (698-3473). 

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