Ellowknife Wildfire News Today

Most essential workers will return on Sept. 4 and 5, and the general public will be able to return home at noon on Sept. 6.

Cooler temperatures, rain and favourable winds this weekend are providing the opportunity to shift fire strategy from defence to offence.

More than 230 fires across the territory have forced half of the population to leave their homes as of Friday, according to National Defence Minister Bill Blair.

More than 230 fires across the territory have forced half of the population to leave their homes as of Friday, according to National Defence Minister Bill Blair.

One of the many communities in the N.W.T. grappling with fires is the capital city of Yellowknife, where residents are preparing to flee if necessary.

Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane urged residents to leave by noon Friday.