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The Hamlet of Fort Providence says residents will be able to return from a 10-day-long evacuation of the community from noon on Thursday this week.
In an update to residents on Tuesday afternoon, senior administrator Susan Christie said “good progress” was being made removing hoses, sprinklers and other structural protections used to defend the hamlet against wildfire SS014.
“We are confident the fire breaks will hold and these resources are no longer needed,” NWT Fire said earlier in the day.
Christie said essential workers will come back starting at 8am on Wednesday “to get our school, health centre, municipal services, and grocers ready to serve you,” but only people contacted in advance will be allowed through the checkpoint at Fort Providence’s access road.
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“We will be ready to welcome everyone home on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 12:00pm noon. This is when the evacuation order will be downgraded and stage three of our re-entry plan will start” Christie wrote.
“Please know that you can expect smoke to be visible from the fire. There is also chances of flare-ups in areas north of the community. There will be areas around the community that will be blocked off – please do not enter these areas as there may be fire, falling trees, aerial operations, and equipment still working.”
Residents are told to expect reduced services at the health centre on their return. Buses back to the community will be provided.
Removing structural protection put in place by firefighters was the first stage of the hamlet’s three-stage plan. Fort Providence has been under an evacuation order since Sunday, August 31.
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Wildfire information officer Thomas Bentham confirmed to Cabin Radio that Wildcat Fire Services began removing sprinklers and water cannons on Tuesday.
“We’re confident that it won’t be needed any more,” he said, explaining that the fire line has been secured to keep the community safe.
“The plan is, with firefighting, if something’s not needed, it can go on to the next fire, so that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Bentham said there is still work left to do but the wildfire threat to Fort Providence has been meaningfully reduced.
He said firefighters are continuing to work hard on securing the fire line to the east of Highway 1 and west of Fort Providence.
Bentham advised residents to stay away from the containment line, burned areas and equipment for safety.
