NWT Fire’s first 2026 update is zombie fire outside Fort Providence

NWT Fire issued its first public bulletin of 2026 on Wednesday, noting an overwintering fire had been found through infrared scanning near Fort Providence.

There is no threat to the hamlet or any cabins or other infrastructure, the wildfire agency stated in a brief news release.

The fire is named SS001-26. It’s burning along the perimeter of last year’s Fort Providence wildfire, which triggered an evacuation of the community at the time.

Overwintering fires are sometimes known as zombie fires. In essence, they stagger through the winter under the snowpack before reemerging the next spring.

“Crews will attack hotspots discovered through the scanning effort to remove remaining heat with assistance from heavy equipment as required,” NWT Fire stated.

There are no other active wildfires in the territory, which is expecting a late start to its 2026 season after a cold winter.