Dehcho MLA ‘frustrated’ with response to Fort Providence fire

Dehcho MLA Sheryl Yakeleya says the NWT government’s response to the wildfire displacing residents of Fort Providence has been “inadequate.”

In a news release published on Wednesday afternoon, Yakeleya criticized firefighting efforts against fire SS014 and the support provided to evacuees. She called on the NWT government to reimburse all hotel expenses incurred by evacuees.

“Northerners deserve better, and the fact that the government has yet to figure out how to take care of its residents during natural disasters is an embarrassment,” the release states.

Yakeleya could not be immediately reached for comment by Cabin Radio.

The release states the MLA has grown increasingly frustrated by the GNWT’s response since residents of Fort Providence were ordered to evacuate late last month.

Yakeleya said many evacuees have had to pay out of pocket or rely on the generosity of community members for transportation and accommodations.

“I understand resources are limited in the Northwest Territories, but that doesn’t excuse the inadequate support my constituents received for basic needs like meals and accommodations,” she stated.

“Many felt they received better support when previously evacuated to the south than when evacuated within their home territory.”

Cabin Radio has previously reported that some evacuees from Fort Providence have faced challenges staying at the evacuation centre in Hay River.

One evacuee with disabilities told Cabin Radio she paid for a hotel room out of pocket for several days until she was told she could be reimbursed for subsequent nights’ stay.

Fort Providence remains under an evacuation order and the access road to the community is still closed. Evacuees are expected to be able return to their homes starting Thursday at noon.

The NWT government has encouraged evacuees to apply to its emergency evacuation relief program, which offers a one-time payment of $800 to residents aged 18 and older and $400 for each dependent under the age of 18.

Firefighting efforts questioned

On Wednesday, Yakeleya further questioned firefighting efforts on the blaze that prompted Fort Providence’s evacuation.

“Many are left wondering if the wildfire been taken more seriously all this time, would residents be sleeping comfortably in their homes instead of on cots in evacuation centres?” the news release states.

Those firefighting efforts have also been criticized by former Liberal NWT MP Michael McLeod, a resident of Fort Providence, who called the territory’s response “an embarrassment.”

“A community is going to burn. Whether it’s our community, Whatì or Jean Marie, some place is going to burn, but we don’t do anything until the fire is at our doorstep,” he said, calling on the GNWT to give the responsibility for fighting wildfires back to the federal government.

Wildfire management has been a territorial responsibility since 1987.

NWT Fire has said SS014 was started by lightning on July 7 and began burning around 25km northwest of Fort Providence.

The wildfire agency initially told residents the wildfire did not pose a threat to Fort Providence due to “swamps and other barriers” until August 29, when the wildfire agency said the community was not “at immediate threat.”

On August 30, the hamlet issued an evacuation alert and NWT Fire said SS014 had displayed “extraordinary growth.” An evacuation order followed a day later.

By September 1, the fire came within 900 metres of the southeastern edge of the community.

Efforts to prevent the fire from reaching Fort Providence have included the use of sprinklers and water canons, removal of fuel using heavy equipment, and air drops on the fire.

GNWT defends firefighting

NWT Fire and territorial officials have previously defended firefighting efforts to Cabin Radio.

The territory’s wildfire agency has said that air tankers were unable to attack fire SS014 for several days on end due to safety and visibility reasons.

“We know this is an extremely stressful time. We know people want to see the big machines out there. We want to have them out there too – desperately,” wildfire information officer Mike Westwick told Cabin Radio.

“We again cannot, and will not, under any circumstances, put our people at unreasonable risk. It’s a matter of principle.”

Responding to McLeod’s comments, Premier RJ Simpson said he “has full faith” in firefighters, emergency responders and support staff.

“Fire crews have worked relentlessly under extremely challenging conditions and managed to control or extinguish more than one hundred fires this season – often in the face of extreme winds, heavy smoke, and the very dry conditions resulting from years-long drought. Their professionalism and dedication have kept our communities and residents safe,” he said in a written statement.

“However, wildfire is a natural and necessary occurrence that no government can completely control. Safety must always come first – for the people in our communities and for the crews on the ground and in the air.”

Jay Macdonald, the NWT’s environment minister, has also said that “every safe opportunity to put resources in place has been taken” to fight wildfires that have threatened Fort Providence, Whatì and Jean Marie River.

“Wildfire management is a territorial responsibility, and we have the expertise, partnerships, and resources to carry it out,” he said.

“We continue to draw on national support when needed, but our program is designed here in the Northwest Territories to meet the unique challenges our communities face. Northerners can be confident that our wildfire teams will continue doing everything possible to protect people and communities, and to strengthen our response with every season.”