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Jean Marie River is again on evacuation alert as the nearby Liard Complex wildfire crept closer to the community over the weekend.

An update on the town's status was released by the hamlet on July 27.

"This is not an evacuation order SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½” this is an alert," reads a social media announcement from the hamlet. "This evacuation alert is a notification of the potential danger which might arise due to a wildfire (FS14) in the area, and the possibility of having to evacuate on short notice.

"This alert may be followed by an evacuation order with specific information on the condition, when to evacuate and directions. You are advised to keep a full tank of gas in your vehicle at all times and prepare personal items to be ready to leave the community on short notice, should there be a need to evacuate."

A notice from NWT Fire noted that encroachment on the community was not imminent, but there was potential for winds to blow the wildfire closer to the community. The blaze is was approximately 14 kilometres from the community. A structure protection team was deployed to the community.

Visual difficulties due to smoke have limited what action the firefighters can take. Multiple air-tankers and helicopters are dropping water on the southern flank and hotspots with efforts to also ensure Fort Liard is protected to the south, as well as the highway.

"Multi-year drought in the area means there is a lot of fuel available, deep burning, and major wildfire suppression challenges," said NWT Fire information officer Mike Westwick. "The incident management team continues to seek opportunities for ignition operations to ensure long-term protections for the community of Fort Liard. 

"There remains no threat to communities or infrastructure due to these wildfires at this time."

Smoke columns may be visible from nearby highways. Rain on Sunday helped limit the fire's growth.

Residents of Jean Marie River are advised to monitor the radio and the hamlet's social media page in the event the situation develops further.