YELLOWKNIFE (July 31, 2014) – The Government of the Northwest Territories has lifted its voluntary evacuation request for residents living along Highway #3 between Yellowknife and Kilometre 300.

Firefighting actions undertaken by Environment and Natural Resources, including the control line to stop the fire from advancing towards the highway, and improved weather conditions prevented the fire from moving any closer and lessened risks posed to residents living along the highway. Residents are free to return to their homes, but advised to continue to monitor the situation for future changes.

There is no direct threat to Yellowknife at this time, although city residents may experience increased smoke from this fire.

For links to official online information from the GNWT about forest fires, please visit http://www.gov.nt.ca/gnwt_fire_information/index.html