YKDFN opens Wıìlıìdeh site to Fort Simpson evacuees

The Yellowknives Dene First Nation says it is opening the Wıìlıìdeh site near Yellowknife River to evacuees from Fort Simpson.

More than a week after the Dehcho community was evacuated, there is no timeline for anyone to return.

The Wıìlıìdeh site, which is the First Nation’s ceremonial gathering site, was made available as of 5pm on Tuesday.

“We offer our solidarity and support at this time of climate crisis,” the First Nation stated.

Fort Simpson, population 1,300, was evacuated on Sunday, June 28. Most evacuees were directed toward Yellowknife, where many have been sleeping on cots at the city’s multiplex.

Late on Tuesday evening, the Village of Fort Simpson said winds had produced “very active fire behaviour” over the past day.

Both the day shift and night shift were working into the night tackling flare-ups from fire FS016, the village said.

“While the temperatures may drop overnight, the winds likely will not. The battle to keep structures safe will continue into midday tomorrow,” the update read, adding rain was hoped for but not guaranteed on Wednesday.

By 10:30pm on Tuesday there had been no reports of additional structure loss. So far, one home has been confirmed lost to the fire.

In Wrigley, a community of 135 which has been evacuated since Monday, June 29, fire FS015 has yet to move within 12 km of homes but NWT Fire said increased activity was seen on Tuesday.

“Winds continue from the north, pushing the fire southward” in the direction of Wrigley, a Tuesday afternoon update stated.

“Crews are working the southeastern portion of the fire. Winds are expected to shift to a southerly flow tomorrow with increased fire activity. This will push the fire away from Wrigley.”