Advertisement.
Sambaa K’e is under an evacuation order as a wildfire that has burned more than 100,000 hectares moves closer to the community, the NWT government says.
An evacuation centre is being set up in Fort Simpson, Department of Municipal and Community Affairs spokesperson Jay Boast confirmed by email on Wednesday afternoon.
A regional emergency management organization is activated and providing logistical support, Boast stated.
Maca said more updates are expected as the situation unfolds.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
Chief Dolphus Jumbo could not be immediately reached.
Josh Campbell, a Fort Simpson resident, said he had been in conversation with the chief earlier in the day. “The fire is not the problem right now. It is the smoke,” Campbell said Dolphus had relayed to him. “They just can’t breathe, it’s hard on everybody.”
Campbell said Jumbo, a longtime firefighter who retired in 2013, would remain behind with fire crews.
“They’re loading up the Elders and all community members, and the first plane will be leaving Sambaa K’e and arriving in Fort Simpson any time after four o’clock this afternoon,” Campbell said.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
Shortly after 1pm on Wednesday, the NWT’s wildfire agency said fire FS001 remains around 100,000 hectares in size, spread across a section of the NWT and an area of northern BC, and is now burning approximately 30 km from Sambaa K’e.
“Two crews have been mobilized as well as two helicopters and a prevention specialist, value protection specialist, and ignition specialist,” the territorial government stated.
“All critical infrastructure in the community has been protected by sprinklers. Work continues to widen the fire break, which is currently 40 metres wide. Crews are currently working on protection for individual structures and houses. Crews are also working to protect values in the path of the fire outside the community.”
The territorial government expects southeast winds over the next two days to blow the fire toward the community.
“Crews are preparing now to protect the community, should the time come,” the territory’s update concluded.
Evacuees will be staying in the Fort Simpson recreation centre in the gymnasium and arena, according to a Facebook post by the recreation centre staff.
Ollie Williams contributed reporting.
