Officials in Northwest Territories say they are preparing for “extremely challenging” wildfire activity this week as they tell residents of a First Nation community to prepare for a possible evacuation.

Officials say a 100-square-kilometre wildfire burning southwest of Whatì is the territory’s No. 1 priority fire.

In a public update, territorial officials say Thursday is likely to be “extremely challenging” with meaningful fire growth to the north, closer to the community.

Officials say the future growth potential is concerning even though there’s no immediate threat to Whatì and large water bodies nearby are a significant barrier to its spread.

Whatì has been under an evacuation notice since Monday evening.

Officials say drought conditions are making the wildfire difficult to fight a

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