Wildfire at popular camping spot near Yellowknife contained — but not out yet
The wildfire is burning on multiple islands at Hidden Lake
A wildfire continues to burn on multiple islands at Hidden Lake, a popular camp spot near Yellowknife.
On Tuesday morning, fire information officer Dana Bowen initially told CBC the fire had been declared out. She provided an update by email later in the morning to say the fire is actually still ongoing.
The fire was initially reported by N.W.T. Fire on Monday at about 5 p.m.
Hidden Lake is a popular camping and fishing spot known for crystal clear waters, about 70 kilometres east of Yellowknife on the Ingraham Trail.
The update from N.W.T. Fire said it was human-caused, the result of an abandoned campfire.
Bowen said strong winds carried sparks to nearby islands, which led to fires on three separate islands.
"Crews have all areas contained at this time," she wrote around 10:30 a.m.
Aircrafts were spotted dumping liquid on the fire Monday evening.
Other fires
Monday's update also said the Campbell Lake fire has merged with another nearby fire.
That fire is threatening nearby cabins and lodges, who have been "alerted they may be required to evacuate" the update reads.
Edie Yoder, a co-owner of the nearby Hearne Lake Lodge, said she and her partner left the lodge Monday as a result of the threatening fires. In an earlier interview with CBC News, she said they had set up sprinklers around the lodge.
Yoder said the lodge has survived close calls in the past, including in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2023.
The update said crews are using sprinklers and retardant lines to protect nearby structures.
The update also said a fire about 20 kilometres southwest of Fort McPherson is highly visible from the Dempster. The update said there are no threats to the community, highway access or cabins in the area.
There were two new fires in the Beaufort Delta, one about 146 kilometres southwest of Paulatuk and another about 27 kilometres northeast of Tsiigehtchic. The update said no communities, cabins or infrastructure is at risk from these fires.
Corrections
- An earlier version of this story stated that the Hidden Lake fire was out. N.W.T. Fire later said they were mistaken and firefighting efforts are ongoing, but the fire is contained.Jul 08, 2025 12:44 PM EDT
With files from Hilary Bird