N Wt News Today

A wildfire official says the town of Hay River will be at risk over the next few days with strong winds and high temperatures making a dangerous situation even worse.

Fire activity along a key N.W.T. highway is expected to kick up in the coming days, while RCMP say they'll stop a potentially large group from trying to re-enter.

Northwest Territories officials are using roadblocks to turn back Yellowknife residents who are attempting to return home despite the city still being under a state of emergency.

'I can't even imagine having to evacuate and not being able to take your pets, and it's the least I can do to be here and help support those people who are already so stressed.'

Evacuees from Yellowknife continue to pour into Calgary with 26 flights arriving on Friday and more coming in after a long journey by car or truck.

Environment Canada says wildfire smoke drifting from western and northern parts of the country has created hazardous air quality in parts of northern Ontario that could get worse.

Premier Scott Moe took to social media Thursday morning, saying the province has offered assistance to the Northwest Territories.

Firefighters will be watching the skies over the next couple of days hoping for rain as wildfires along the Alberta-Northwest Territories boundary continue to force evacuations.