Canada: Emergency crews responding to multiple wildfires across Northwest Territories as of Aug. 18 /update 3

Event

Emergency crews are working to contain multiple wildfires burning across Northwest Territories (NWT), Aug. 18. Authorities report 236 active fires burning across mainland areas of the province as of early Aug. 18. Authorities ordered the full evacuation of the provincial capital Yellowknife, the nearby First Nations communities of N’dilo and Dettah, and along the Ingraham Trail Aug. 16 due to an approaching fire; evacuations are ongoing and officials have set a provisional evacuation deadline of 12:00 Aug. 18. Around 1,500 people were evacuated by flights from Yellowknife Aug. 17 and further flights are scheduled Aug. 18. Registration for evacuation flights is taking place at Sir John Franklin High School; flights are only available for those unable to evacuate by other means. Thousands of other residents have departed by road; people are advised to evacuate southwards to Alberta. Authorities stated that all highways leading out of the area were open as of late Aug. 17; however, congestion is likely along evacuation routes and motorists are advised to fill up before departure due to limited fuel availability on evacuation routes. Reception centers have been opened in several locations across Alberta, including Calgary, Edmonton, Valleyview, Fox Creek, Red Deer, and Lac la Biche.

Evacuation orders have also been issued for several other communities in recent days due to the threat of fires, including Hay River, Katl'odeeche First Nation, Enterprise, Fort Smith, Kakisa, and Jean Marie River. Inuvik is under an evacuation notice. Authorities may issue further evacuation orders across affected areas at short notice, depending on the evolution of the wildfires. Authorities in Hay River have reported fires have burned property and structures in the area of Paradise Gardens south through Enterprise; reports indicate most of Enterprise Hamlet has been destroyed. The latest details regarding active fires and evacuations can be found here. Authorities have declared local states of emergency for Fort Smith and the City of Yellowknife, while the Government of the Northwest Territories has declared a territorial state of emergency. The federal government has approved a request from the NWT government for federal assistance.

Highways 2 and 5 are closed, while highways 1 and 3 remain open. The Jean Marie River access road is also closed. Access to Hay River Airport (YHY) and Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM) is restricted to medevac and evacuation operations only until further notice. Reports indicate phone and internet disruptions throughout the South Slave region.

Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close additional routes within the wildfire complexes and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.

Advice

Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.

Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.

Resources

Environment Canada
NWT Wildfire Updates
Government of Northwest Territories