Under a state of emergency, the community of Fort Good Hope was evacuated on Saturday, as a blazingly fast wildfire kicked up after a campfire wasn’t properly extinguished nearby.
Fort Good Hope Chief Collin Pierrot posted online throughout the weekend’s ordeal.
“We did not lose any structures or buildings or houses to the fires but that still doesn’t put us out of danger yet and we will continue to fight the fire,” he stated Sunday night.
“I have to say that I’m so proud of how leadership and community members and other organizations that have worked together to make things happen regardless of what little we had.”
Fort Good Hope on Saturday. (Photo courtesy Sonya Wall.)
Pierrot also thanks neighbouring communities for their support for welcoming the evacuees.
Today’s forecast calls for northeasterly winds 15 km/h, gusting up to 15 to 20 km/h pushing the fire away from the community, NWT Fire stated this morning.
Later this evening, the winds will shift westerly later in the evening to 15 km/h, gusting up to 20 km/h.
Today’s stronger winds may moderately increase fire activity coupled with a high of 21 degrees with a relative humidity near 25 per cent. No rain is forecast.
The fire may continue to grow today but away from the community.
Overnight, the fire grew significantly beyond 1,300 hectares.
RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Matt Halstead told CKLB there could be a number offences considered in relation to the type of scenario that led to the emergency in Fort Good Hope.
“It would depend on the evidence that could be gathered and whether it would support a clear case of negligence that would rise to the threshold of criminal charges,” he stated in an email. “The RCMP has not started an investigation in relation to the Fort Good Hope fire. This is obviously a fluid and on-going event and any information provided to the local detachment will be assessed accordingly.”
Halstead added this type of investigation would have to be done with the support of a fire examiner and likely would be a joint investigation.
On Monday morning, the GNWT stated the Cassien Edgi Health and Social Services Centre in Norman Wells is closed until further notice.
A mobile paramedic service is stationed in Fort Good Hope to address basic health needs in the community and for first responders until services can be re-established at the health centre.
Emergency services personnel in community will be able to reach the paramedic by radio in the event of any communication outages.
For evacuees who travelled to Norman Wells, medical services will be provided there.
Note that the town of Norman Wells now has a total fire ban. The ban includes all fires including those in approved pits.
Information for evacuees:
- For medical emergencies – call 911, or (867) 444-4321. To speak with a registered nurse, call 811. For any medical emergencies please call 911 or (867) 496-0004
- For prescription refills, missed appointments, or other primary care needs, evacuees should call (867) 587-3333, or go to Norman Wells Health Centre.
- For those displaced from Fort Good Hope, check the Town of Norman Wells official Facebook Page as well as the Fort Good Hope, NT Facebook page regularly for updates.
- Anyone from an evacuated community who is currently in Norman Wells in need of Child and Family Services supports please contact (867) 444-6615. For Child Protection matters, please call (867) 444-1142
- Anyone in Norman Wells can access the community counselling program by calling (867) 444-6000. Drop-in mental health supports are also available at the health centre.
For the latest information on wildfire visit Environment and Climate Change, NWT Fire Page.
For the latest information on GNWT response to emergencies, and public safety information visit the GNWT’s public safety page.
GNWT officials will hold a media conference at noon for an update on the 2024 wildfire situation.
And stay tuned on CKLB Radio 101.9 for the latest or check us out on Facebook at The Voice of Denedeh.
Hot spots surrounding Fort Good Hope as of Monday morning. (Image courtesy NWT Fire.)
