Since 2022, up to 40% of the N.W.T. has experienced severe to extreme drought, significantly increasing wildfire risks.

Recent research indicates that wildfire seasons in the Northwest Territories are unlikely to decrease by the next century, with fire risk remaining high due to already elevated conditions.

Community leaders, including Danny Masuzumi of the K'ahsho Got'ine Foundation Guardians, recognize the increasing wildfire threat and advocate for improved preparedness, such as establishing a full fire brigade in the Sahtu region.

A study from the University of Toronto highlights that wildfires in the subarctic are driven by factors like vegetation health, soil humidity, and wind exposure, with climate change causing drier conditions and unhealthy forests.

Community accountability and collective action are deemed essential to effectively address the rising wildfire threats in the N.W.T., according to local leaders.

Chris Mulverhill, a co-author of the University of Toronto study, emphasized that wildfire risk in Yellowknife is already at its peak, though climate change could lead to more intense fire seasons in the future.

A forecast by the University of British Columbia and Natural Resources Canada suggests that while wildfire burn probability will rise across Canada by 2100, the N.W.T.'s rate will remain about the same because it is already at a maximum level.

Despite investments in firefighting equipment and personnel, community leaders stress the need for a community-driven fire management plan and more dedicated resources to better protect wildlife habitats and local communities.