Fort Simpson plans evacuation to Yellowknife if needed

The Village of Fort Simpson says Yellowknife will be the community’s primary destination if a nearby wildfire forces an evacuation.

As of Sunday morning, the village of 1,300 people remained on evacuation alert – one rung below an evacuation order.

Reinforcements are expected in the next day to tackle fire FS016, which NWT Fire said on Saturday had been largely held at bay since being identified on Friday evening.

The fire is estimated to be seven or so kilometres away from the village airport.

Much of Fort Simpson is on an island, with a ferry connecting the community to the broader highway network.

On Saturday evening, the village’s mayor and council stated: “If an evacuation becomes necessary, Yellowknife will be the destination.”

An evacuation could take place by road and air if needed, the village stated, saying the local emergency management organization was planning for both.

According to the village, almost 500 people have so far pre-registered online for a possible evacuation.

Registration was due to reopen at Fort Simpson’s recreation centre at 10am on Sunday.

Fire north of Wrigley

Meanwhile, NWT Fire issued a bulletin for Wrigley residents on Saturday evening about a wildfire approximately 12 km to the community’s north.

Wrigley, another Dehcho community, is just over 200 km west of Fort Simpson by road.

“At this time, the fire has not moved closer to Wrigley, and current wind conditions are favourable,” the territory’s wildfire agency stated.

“The fire has grown from approximately 25 hectares, with most growth occurring to the west due to easterly winds. Forecast winds from the southeast tomorrow are also not expected to push the fire toward the community.”

More: Wildfire and air quality map

Crews are beginning structure protection work as a precautionary measure, NWT Fire said.

More than 70 fires are burning across the NWT, a number that soared over the past 48 hours following widespread lightning on Friday and into Saturday.