Residents of N.W.T. community being allowed home after weeklong wildfire evacuation

Residents of Whati Set to Return Home Following Wildfire Evacuation

Residents of a First Nation community in the Northwest Territories are set to return home just over a week after being forced to flee because of a wildfire.

Community Government of Whati Gives Green Light for Return

The Community Government of Whati says essential workers returned Friday and its roughly 600 residents will be allowed back Saturday starting at 10 a.m. The decision to lift the evacuation order was made after a careful assessment of the situation on the ground.

Wildfire Situation Near Whati

The community, roughly 250 kilometres northwest of Yellowknife, was ordered to evacuate on Aug. 29 due to a wildfire burning approximately seven kilometres south of Whati Airport. The fire covers more than 270 square kilometres and is burning out of control, but officials assure that it isn’t expected to reach the community.

Safe Return Home

Despite the ongoing wildfire, residents of Whati can now return home as the evacuation order has been lifted. Essential workers have already started coming back, and the rest of the community will be able to return on Saturday. Officials continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of all residents.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Sept. 5, 2025.

Source: The Canadian Press