Northwest Territories Wildfire Map & Tracker
Track active wildfires across Northwest Territories in real time. WildFire-Ready maps active fires, perimeters, evacuation alerts, smoke and air quality, and fire bans, drawn from Northwest Territories Fire, Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (NRCan), and NASA FIRMS, updated continuously.
What causes wildfires in Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories' wildfires are driven largely by lightning in the vast boreal forest, with human starts more common near communities and the limited road network. Black spruce, peatlands, and other boreal fuels can carry very large, remote fires across the territory. Long summer daylight, warm, dry spells, and gusty winds can drive rapid fire growth over an immense and sparsely populated landscape.
Northwest Territories fire season
The Northwest Territories see large boreal wildfires through the northern summer, driven mainly by lightning across an immense, remote landscape. Fires here can grow very large in years with hot, dry weather.
The Northwest Territories' wildfire season generally runs from late spring through summer, with boreal fires often peaking in the May through July window. Mid-summer lightning storms commonly coincide with the driest fuels. Activity tends to ease as cooler, wetter weather returns in late summer.
How to read the Northwest Territories map
Flame markers show active fires reported by official agencies, and selecting one shows its status and details. Many Northwest Territories fires burn in remote country, so perimeters and detections may matter more than evacuation zones, which appear as local authorities issue them. Add the smoke and air-quality layers to track conditions that can affect communities far from the flames.
We keep the Northwest Territories map current so you can check what is burning, watch a fire near you, and see evacuation alerts and air quality in one place. Coverage is part of WildFire-Ready across Western Canada and 18 western US states, serving more than 130 million people, with the deepest coverage in British Columbia and Alberta.
Data sources for Northwest Territories
Everything we show for Northwest Territories traces back to the agency that publishes it:
- Northwest Territories Fire
- Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (NRCan)
- NASA FIRMS
You can verify the territory's fire picture directly at the official agency: https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/en/services/wildfire-operations.
Northwest Territories wildfire FAQ
Are there wildfires in Northwest Territories right now?
WildFire-Ready shows active wildfires across Northwest Territories in real time, drawn from official agencies. Open the live map to see currently active fires, their status, and where they are burning. Counts change throughout the day, so check the map for the latest picture and confirm critical details with the responsible agency.
Where can I see Northwest Territories evacuation orders?
Evacuation orders and alerts for Northwest Territories appear on the WildFire-Ready map and in the app as they are issued by the responsible emergency-management agencies. Always follow official evacuation orders, and call 911 in an emergency. WildFire-Ready is a companion to 911, not a replacement.
Is the air quality safe in Northwest Territories?
Wildfire smoke can move air quality from good to hazardous quickly. WildFire-Ready surfaces air-quality readings on the map so you can check conditions near you. During smoke events, follow guidance from your local health authority.
Is there a fire ban in Northwest Territories?
Fire bans and restrictions for Northwest Territories are shown on the WildFire-Ready map when they are in effect. Restrictions can change with conditions, so verify the current rules with the official agency, Northwest Territories Fire, before lighting any fire.
When is wildfire season in the Northwest Territories?
The Northwest Territories' wildfire season generally runs from late spring through summer, with boreal fires often peaking in the May through July window. Mid-summer lightning storms commonly coincide with the driest fuels.
What causes most wildfires in the Northwest Territories?
Most large Northwest Territories wildfires are driven by lightning in the boreal forest, with human starts more common near communities. Black spruce and peatland fuels, long daylight, and warm, dry spells drive rapid fire growth in remote country.
How do I sign up for Northwest Territories evacuation alerts?
Evacuation orders in the Northwest Territories are issued by the territorial government and local and Indigenous authorities. We surface evacuation information on the map as agencies issue it, but always follow official orders and check with your local authority.
Where does WildFire-Ready get Northwest Territories fire data?
We draw Northwest Territories fire information from the territorial wildfire agency and federal sources, including the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (CWFIS), with air quality from Environment and Climate Change Canada and satellite detections from NASA FIRMS. You can verify the territorial picture directly at the official agency linked on this page.