The fire that had caused a portion of Fort Smith to be placed on evacuation alert is now being held.

The town's Facebook page announced at around 8:15 p.m. that crews had managed to make "significant progress" and that the fire was being held. The situation had been stabilized, it added, and the risk of damage to structures had been reduced.

It's believed that the fire was person-caused.

The town stated just after 5 p.m. Saturday evening that crews were responding to a fire in the area of Primrose and Carls Drive. It was classified as out-of-control and was "exhibiting aggressive behaviour", stated the town.

Water tenders, a bush truck, three ground crews and two helicopters were en route to help with the situation and while the wind remained favourable as of 6:45 p.m., structure protection measures were being put in place.

The evacuation notice means it isn't mandatory to leave, but residents should be ready to go at a moment's notice with a packed bag, essential items and a full tank of gas.

A post from NWT Fire shortly after 6 p.m. Saturday stated that the fire was estimated to be around four hectares in size.

The town stated that the Department of Environment and Climate Change will be looking after things this evening and crews would return to the area to put out any hot spots.