Out-of-control wildfires force evacuations in Wrigley and Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, Canada
Wildfires burning in Canada’s Northwest Territories prompted evacuation orders for the communities of Wrigley and Fort Simpson on June 28 and 29, 2026, as two lightning-caused fires remained out of control. The blaze threatening Fort Simpson had expanded to more than 8 900 ha (22 000 acres) by June 29, while more than 62 000 ha (153 209 acres) had burned across the territory.
Southeast flank of the Fort Simpson (FS016) wildfire at 13:50 LT on June 28, 2026. Credit: NWT
Wildfires burning in the Northwest Territories (NWT) Dehcho region prompted evacuations in Wrigley and Fort Simpson on June 28 and 29.
A fire burning north of Wrigley is designated FS015-26, prompting evacuation orders for the town on June 29. The fire was first detected on June 26 and is believed to have been ignited by lightning. According to an update issued at 11:45 LT on June 29, the fire had burned 111 ha (274 acres) in the Dehcho region.
An evacuation order was issued for the village of Fort Simpson on June 28 due to a wildfire burning west of the town. The fire, designated FS016-26, was ignited by lightning on June 26 and was first detected 9 km (5.6 miles) west of Fort Simpson Airport. It was classified as out of control.
By 10:30 local time (LT) on June 29, the blaze had grown to more than 8 900 ha (21 992 acres), based on satellite analysis. It remained out of control. According to NWT Fire, it had moved closer to the town and was located approximately 7 km (4.3 miles) west of the airport.
Residents were evacuated to Yellowknife by plane through the night of June 28, with the last flight departing at 00:15 LT on June 29.
Highway 7 was closed, while a ferry was operating 24 hours a day to aid evacuations, village officials reported in a community update issued at 09:30 LT on June 29. No additional evacuation flights were available at the time.
“Airtankers and helicopters worked on priority areas on the east and northern perimeter to suppress growth toward the community when possible. Heavy smoke in the area is limiting aircraft movement, and aircraft have not been able to fly since 16:00 LT due to low visibility,” NWT fire said in an update at 17:30 LT on June 29.
“All residents who remain in town must evacuate as soon as possible. Only essential workers should remain in the community,” the update read.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for the town at 18:40 LT on June 29. “All remaining residents and emergency/essential personnel must shelter-in-place at the recreation center. The area has an immediate threat due to wildfire and is not safe,” the NWT government said.
Wildfires have collectively burned more than 62 000 ha (153 209 acres) across the NWT. A total of 106 wildfires were burning across the region as of 23:00 LT on June 29. At least 98 were classified as out of control, while 11 had been declared out, 5 were being held, and 3 had been brought under control.
References:
1 Fire Burning North of Wrigley (FS015-26) – ECC NT – June 29, 2026
2 Community update – Village of FortSimpson– June 29, 2026
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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