Last updated Wednesday, Aug. 9 at 11:30 a.m.
The community of Kakisa is now under evacuation alert due to a wildfire that “overwhelmed” firefighting efforts, according to the GNWT.
The alert was issued on the evening of Aug. 8. Residents are asked to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
The fire in question, a naturally-caused fire that started a week ago, has swelled to more than 5,000 hectares in size. At last estimate, it was 18 kilometres from Kakisa and 12 kilometres from Highway 1 at its closest points.
“The fire is not expected to reach Kakisa tonight,” reads an update from NWT Fire. “However, there is risk to the community in the coming days as southeast winds are expected to continue.”
A spokesperson for the community told CKLB that Chief Lloyd Chicot was not available for comment.
This story will continue to be updated as it unfolds.
