'Unlikely' fire near Yellowknife will reach outskirts by end of weekend but 'threat' remains: N.W.T.

Officials in the Northwest Territories say they do not expect a fire near Yellowknife to reach the city's boundaries by the end of the weekend in part due to cooler conditions. However, they warn that the 'threat to the area remains.'

Officials in the Northwest Territories say they do not expect a fire near Yellowknife to reach the city's boundaries by the end of the weekend in part due to cooler conditions. However, they warn that the "threat to the area remains."

The territorial government's most recent update Saturday says that while the fires near Yellowknife remain out of control, a few millimetres of rain in certain areas have helped the current situation.

"It is now unlikely this fire would reach the outskirts of Yellowknife by the end of the weekend due to the slightly cooler-than-forecast conditions, help from rain, and successful firefighting efforts," the update reads. "This is good news, but there are still tough, hot, dry, windy days ahead."

Officials in the Northwest Territories have been monitoring a fire 15 kilometres to the northwest of Yellowknife, especially with winds shifting and blowing to the east.

Crews have created firebreaks, or strips of land that are cleared of trees and brush that could fuel fires, and used sprinklers and air tankers to help stop the fire from potentially spreading.

The government warns that westerly winds and warmer temperatures in the 20s are expected Sunday, which "will lead to increased fire behaviour" from noon into later in the evening.

"A little bit of rain does not mean it is safe to come back to Yellowknife, N'Dilo, Dettah or the Ingraham Trail," the update says, referencing other communities also affected by the wildfires.