Evacuations in Canada's Northwest Territories due to wildfires

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【Summary】Residents in Canada's Northwest Territories capital, Yellowknife, have been ordered to evacuate as wildfires approach the city. The government has declared a state of emergency, urging those in high-risk areas to leave immediately and giving others until Friday to evacuate. Although the city is not in immediate danger, the fire is only 10 miles away and may reach the outskirts by the weekend if there is no rain.

FutureCar Staff Aug 17, 2023 12:56 AM PT

Evacuations in Canada's Northwest Territories due to wildfires

Residents in the capital of Canada's Northwest Territories have been ordered to evacuate as wildfires approach the city. The Northwest Territories government has urged people in the highest-risk areas of Yellowknife to leave immediately, while residents in other areas have until noon on Friday to evacuate. According to Shane Thompson, the environment minister for the Territories, the city is not currently in immediate danger, but there is a safe window for residents to leave by road and air. However, without rain, there is a possibility that the fire could reach the outskirts of the city by the weekend.

For those leaving Yellowknife by highway, they will be escorted through the active fire zone if smoke limits visibility. Over 200 wildfires have already burned a large area of the Northwest Territories, leading to the evacuation of eight communities totaling nearly 6,800 people, which is around 15% of the territory's population. The region has experienced the largest airlift in its history, with Canadian Forces personnel assisting firefighters and flying evacuees out on Hercules aircraft.

Canada has witnessed a record number of wildfires this year, with more than 21,000 square kilometers (8,108 miles) already burned. The situation is concerning and efforts are being made to ensure the safety of residents and protect the affected areas from further damage.