Air evacuations are scheduled to commence on Thursday to relocate residents of Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, away from the approaching wildfires. The government of the Northwest Territories has advised residents in the four highest-risk areas in Yellowknife to leave as soon as possible, while residents in other areas have until noon Friday to vacate. Officials suggest that only those who are unable to leave by road should register for the evacuation flights. Individuals who are immunocompromised or have underlying conditions that put them at higher risk are encouraged to sign up for the flights, as reported by the AP.
“I want to emphasize that the city is not currently in immediate danger, and there is a safe window for residents to leave by road and air,” stated Shane Thompson, a government minister for the Territories, during a press conference. The wildfires are currently burning approximately 10 miles outside the city. The evacuation order issued on Wednesday night applies to Yellowknife and the nearby First Nations communities of Ndilo and Dettah. Thompson added, “The fire now poses a real threat to the city. Without rain, it is possible that it will reach the outskirts by the weekend.” In the event of reduced visibility due to smoke, drivers leaving Yellowknife via the highway will be escorted through the active fire zone.
Over 200 wildfires have already ravaged a widespread area of the Northwest Territories. As of Wednesday, there were 1,067 active wildfires burning across Canada. Eight communities, comprising nearly 6,800 people or 15% of the Northwest Territories’ population, have already been evacuated, according to Mike Westwick, the region’s fire information officer. Numerous highways have been closed, and the region has witnessed the largest airlift in its history. Canadian Armed Forces personnel are providing assistance to firefighters and conducting evacuations using Hercules aircraft.
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