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The NWT’s wildfire agency says a fire burning near Whatì grew to 29,000 hectares on Friday but is no closer to the community.
Residents of Whatì were ordered to evacuate on Friday as wildfire ZF048 was burning 7km south of the community’s airport.
Reception centres have been set up in Behchokǫ̀ and Yellowknife to welcome evacuees.
In an update on Saturday evening, NWT Fire said while fire ZF048 has grown, most activity was seen along the east flank of the fire. It said the wildfire remains approximately 7km from Whatì’s airport and 8km from the community’s most populated areas.
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The wildfire agency said a wind shift from the northwest is expected on Saturday, which would push the fire back on itself and away from the community.
“The wind shift should provide an opportunity to attack the fire directly with air tankers and helicopters,” the update stated.
Structure protection remains in place in the community and will continue to be maintained, NWT Fire said.
