The territorial government has banned open fires across almost the entire North Slave and South Slave, a region-wide step the NWT takes only in its worst fire years.
A late Tuesday notice stated the restrictions take effect immediately across all public and private land in the North Slave and from the start of Wednesday in the South Slave.
Fourteen communities are covered, among them Yellowknife, Behchokǫ̀, Hay River and Fort Smith, including areas in town and out on the land. National parks are exempt.
“This is being implemented due to continued extreme fire danger and extraordinary weather conditions to protect communities and protect wildfire fighting resources by limiting avoidable person-caused fires,” the GNWT stated.
Open fires are prohibited, including fire pits and burn barrels, and burn permits are cancelled.
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Fireworks, incendiary or tracer ammunition, exploding targets, sky lanterns and bear bangers are banned except in emergencies.
Closed stoves, barbecues and approved gas and propane appliances remain allowed, as is fire used to exercise Indigenous or treaty rights, such as cooking or hide tanning.
Rarely used
Sweeping region-wide bans like this aren’t usually issued.
In 2023, the territory first used Forest Protection Act powers across whole regions during a record fire season. The GNWT did so again in 2024.
More than 100 fires are now burning across the NWT, with the Dehcho communities of Fort Simpson and Wrigley evacuated in recent days.
