Wrigley wildfire grows to 41,750 acres but has not moved towards community

NWT Fire says attack efforts overwhelmed by extreme fire weather conditions

Wrigley wildfire grows to 41,750 acres but has not moved towards community Published 9:10 am Monday, July 13, 2026 Efforts to fight the wildfire near Wrigley were “overwhelmed” by extreme fire weather conditions and poor visibility despite “aggressive and immediate attack,” NWT Fire stated on July 12. The Wrigley wildfire has increased to 41,750 acres, and it has moved towards Mount Gaudet.

The fire is “out of control,” but has not moved towards Wrigley. The blaze remains 12 km north of the community. Hazardous tree removal specialists are working in the area to identify and remove trees that pose threats to critical infrastructure, homes and wildfire operations.

NWT Fire says this work is being done in partnership with Pehdzeh Ki First Nation. An incident management team is on site coordinating firefighting operations. Crews are attacking the south and southwestern end of the fire, with helicopter bucketing support.

Southern and eastern winds have limited the fire’s growth to the north and west boundaries. Structure protection has been completed, and no cabin or structural losses have been reported or observed, as of July 12, according to NWT Fire, adding that the southeastern line is now considered to be contained. An evacuation order remains in place for the community, and many community members are being hosted in Fort Smith.

Rain is not expected for the coming days, however, winds are only expected to be in the 5-10 km range.