Fort Simpson residents were ordered to evacuate their homes at 7:20 p.m. on June 28, 2026, due to an encroaching wildfire. According to NWT Fire, the blaze, identified as FS016, had grown to 420 hectares and was burning seven kilometres from the village airport. With Highway 7 closed to the south, residents are being directed to use Highway 1 toward Yellowknife, where the city’s multiplex has been designated as the official reception center.
Why the evacuation order was issued
The evacuation was prompted by a combination of current fire growth and concerning weather forecasts. Fire information officer Forrest Tower told Cabin Radio that while the fire was moving northwest, parallel to the village, there was significant concern that shifting winds over the next two days could push the flames toward the community. Because Fort Simpson is located on an island, officials determined that the complex logistics of moving the population of 1,300 required an immediate start to the process to ensure everyone could leave safely.
Did You Know? The village of Fort Simpson had previously taken steps to prepare for emergency evacuations after local leaders raised concerns in 2023, a year when wildfires burned extensively across the Northwest Territories while the community remained largely unaffected.
Logistics and evacuation routes
The evacuation process relies on limited infrastructure, most notably a Liard River ferry. According to village authorities, the ferry is operating 24 hours a day but is restricted to one-way traffic for evacuees, with no trailers permitted to ensure efficiency. While Highway 1 remains open, Highway 7 at Checkpoint is closed due to separate wildfire activity. To assist those without personal transport, an airlift coordinated by Air Tindi is underway, with at least two flights to Yellowknife confirmed.
Expert Insight: The decision to order an evacuation while the fire is still several kilometers away reflects the “crossover conditions” reported by NWT Fire, where low humidity and high temperatures create a volatile environment. In remote, island-based communities like Fort Simpson, the primary risk is not just the fire itself, but the potential to become trapped if a single exit route becomes compromised by smoke or flame.
What may happen next
Weather conditions are expected to play a decisive role in the coming days. Forecasts for Monday indicate a high of 29C with a possibility of showers or storms in the evening. However, fire information officer Forrest Tower noted that ground crews may shift their focus to the Fort Simpson fire if southwesterly winds begin to push the blaze toward the village. As of late Sunday, firefighters were prioritizing the protection of Highway 1 to ensure the evacuation route remains viable.
Frequently Asked Questions
[Where should evacuees go?]
Evacuees are being directed to the multiplex in Yellowknife, which has been designated as the official reception and lodging center.
[Are pets allowed on the evacuation flights?]
No, pets are not permitted on the evacuation aircraft. The village has instructed residents to register their pets at the recreation center and leave them with food, as arrangements for their care are being made.
[Is there a deadline for the evacuation?]
The evacuation order is immediate, and officials have emphasized that those with their own vehicles should depart as soon as it is safe to do so. The last scheduled flight from Fort Simpson to Yellowknife for the night was set for 12:15 a.m.
How are you and your loved ones managing the current travel disruptions in the region?
