Air Evacuations Start for Wildfires in Canada's Northwest Territories

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【Summary】Air evacuations are set to begin in Canada's Northwest Territories to move residents out of the path of approaching wildfires. The capital city, Yellowknife, and neighboring communities have been issued an evacuation order, with those at highest risk urged to leave as soon as possible. The city is not immediately in danger, but without rain, the fires could reach the outskirts by the weekend.

FutureCar Staff Aug 17, 2023 10:35 AM PT

Air Evacuations Start for Wildfires in Canada's Northwest Territories

Air evacuations are scheduled to begin on Thursday to relocate residents in the capital of Canada's Northwest Territories away from approaching wildfires. The city, Yellowknife, with a population of 20,000 people, is in the path of the fires.

The Northwest Territories government has advised residents in the four areas of Yellowknife at the highest risk to leave as soon as possible. Residents in other areas have until noon on Friday to evacuate. Officials have specified that only those who cannot leave by road should register for the flights out. Individuals who are immunocompromised or have a condition that puts them at higher risk are encouraged to sign up for the evacuations.

Shane Thompson, a government minister for the Territories, emphasized that the city is not currently in immediate danger and there is a safe window for residents to leave by road and air. Thompson made this statement during a news conference.

The wildfires are currently burning about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) outside of Yellowknife. The evacuation order, issued on Wednesday night, applies to the city of Yellowknife and the neighboring First Nations communities of Ndilo and Dettah. Thompson expressed concern that without rain, the fires could reach the outskirts of the city by the weekend.

In the event of limited visibility due to smoke, individuals leaving Yellowknife by highway will be escorted through the active fire zone.

Over 200 wildfires have already burned a widespread area of the Northwest Territories. As of Wednesday, there were 1,057 active wildfires burning across Canada. Earlier in the day, Mike Westwick, the region's fire information officer, stated that eight communities, totaling nearly 6,800 people or 15% of the Northwest Territories' population, have already been evacuated. The territory has experienced the largest airlift in its history, with Canadian Forces personnel assisting firefighters and flying evacuees out on Hercules aircraft.

This year, Canada has witnessed a record number of wildfires, with over 21,000 square kilometers (13,049 square miles) burned.