17 Aug 2023 | 03:22 AM UTC
Canada: Emergency crews responding to multiple wildfires across Northwest Territories as of Aug. 16 /update 2
Emergency crews continue working to contain multiple wildfires across Northwest Territories, Canada, as of Aug. 16. Evacuations ongoing.
Event
Emergency crews are working to contain multiple wildfires burning across Northwest Territories (NWT) as of Aug. 16. Authorities report 236 active fires burning across mainland areas of the province as of late Aug. 16. Officials have issued evacuation orders for several communities due to the threat of fires, including Yellowknife, N’dilo, Dettah, Ingraham Trail, Hay River, Katl'odeeche First Nation, Enterprise, Fort Smith, and Jean Marie River, as well as for cabin and homeowners on Highway 3 from kilometers 284-329. Behchoko, Edzo, Frank Channel, Kakisa, and cabin and homeowners on North Prosperous Lake, North Prelude Lake, and River Lake are under evacuation alerts. 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. Emergency shelters are located at Fort Simpson, as well as Grande Prairie and St. Albert in Alberta Province.
Authorities have declared local states of emergency for Fort Smith and the City of Yellowknife, while the Government of the Northwest Territories declared a territorial state of emergency. The federal government has approved a request from the NWT government for federal assistance. Officials have advised residents in Fort Smith to evacuate to Hay River Aug. 12 before another fire prompted evacuation orders for Hay River Aug. 13. Authorities in Hay River have reported fires have burned property and structures in the area of Paradise Gardens south through Enterprise. Residents are being advised to head to the airport to evacuate as the fires threaten roads out of the area. Internet and telephone services disruptions are occurring in some of the affected areas. Most of Enterprise Hamlet has been destroyed. The latest details regarding active fires and evacuations can be found here.
Highways 2 and 5 are closed, while highways 1 and 3 remain open. The Jean Marie River access road is also closed. Authorities are requesting residents to avoid traveling by highway unless absolutely necessary. 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.
