Fort Providence sets out re-entry plan for residents

The Hamlet of Fort Providence has set out the sequence by which residents will eventually be able to return home after a wildfire-related evacuation.

Fire SS014 triggered an evacuation order when it came within a kilometre of the community a week ago.

Since then, many of the hamlet’s 700 or so residents have been staying in Hay River.

On Saturday night, hamlet senior administrator Susan Christie published a three-stage re-entry plan.

It doesn’t come with fixed dates attached – so exactly when residents can return is not yet clear – but sets out how re-entry will work once the green light is given.

The plan does state that “significant progress” has been made on SS014 and the hamlet is “preparing for a phased re-entry” as a result.

Stage one involves removing structural protection from the community to allow essential workers freedom of movement once they’re back without damaging equipment.

That’s expected to take 24 to 48 hours, after which stage two – the return of essential staff to restart services like healthcare, utilities and food supply – will begin.

Stage two is expected to take another 24 to 48 hours, including water delivery to all buildings alongside inspections of the school and health centre.

Stage three – the return of the general public – will begin once stage two is complete, meaning residents are expected home at least two to four days after the initial go signal for stage one to start. The whole process may take longer.

“Once basic community services have been restored and are able to support community residents, the [local emergency management organization] will meet and decide on a date and time that the community will be permitted to safely return to the community,” the plan states.

“It is important to note that not all services will be restored to their pre-evacuation levels. Please keep this in mind when returning to the community.”

Buses will help take evacuees home. A welcome centre will be set up in Fort Providence’s arena.