More resources for evacuees arrive as wildfires remain stalled

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• A serious accident closed Highway 3 Thursday afternoon, just days after it re-opened to traffic after a wildfire closure.
• As per Cabin Radio: The NWT’s premier says he has “full faith” in the territory’s firefighting and safety must come first, after former MP Michael McLeod said efforts to protect Fort Providence were an “embarrassment.”
• The 55th Dene National Assembly scheduled for Fort Good Hope September 16 to 18 has been postponed. A new date will be announced.
• As per CBC North: A wildfire destroyed a camp at the Nechalacho mining project on the shore of Thor Lake, some 100 kilometres southeast of Yellowknife. Expensive equipment was spared.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Fort Providence Fire SS014 has not moved any closer to the community, but conditions today will “test the ignition lines” and fire activity has been visible from the community, says NWT Fire.

And Friday’s conditions are expected to be hot, dry and windy, which will make for a “challenging day, but the wind will be blowing the fire away from the community, stated Thomas Bentham, wildfire information officer.

Fort Simpson resident Shawna McLeod has been helping to support over 20 families.

McLeod posted on social media that The Northern Birthwork Collective stepped up and secured several hotel rooms for pregnant and postpartum mothers.

“This was a huge relief, as many parents had shared how difficult it was to rest or care for their babies at the evacuation centre,” stated McLeod.

The Fort Simpson Métis Nation also donated and organized four hotel rooms, “giving elders a safe and supportive space … their quick action made a big difference. Thank you for showing what it looks like when Nations step up for one another in times of need.”

McLeod continued: “We don’t have to wait for leadership. When people are in need, community and humanity must come first. Families breathed a sigh of relief knowing they could finally sleep in a warm bed, have privacy, and bathe their babies. Let’s continue to hold each other up through this stressful time.”

Prominent NWT lawyer Garth Wallbridge was so touched by “the outstanding work” that that Corporal Kevin Devoe is doing in Fort Providence to care for dogs who couldn’t join their evacuee owners, that he wrote a letter to Chief Superintendent Dyson Smith.

“Caring for the pets that the people had to leave behind as they evacuated Fort Providence due to the current wildfires goes above and beyond,” wrote Wallbridge.

“That many people could not take their pets with them is unfortunate and no doubt has caused much stress with the evacuees. Seeing social media posts about the work the Corporal has undertaken caring for their four-legged friends must lessen that stress.

Too often the police are maligned for being outsiders. Kevin has done much to alter that. “

The Community of Whatì issued an evacuation order on Saturday morning, as Fire ZF048 was threatening the community.

Backburn operations have been successful, and more information on that fire should be made available later today.

To support communities impacted by wildfires, United Way NWT has activated its Emergency Response Fund, for the first time since the 2023 wildfire season.

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This is to provide rapid, flexible financial support to local organizations responding to emerging community needs on the ground, stated a release.

The Emergency Response Fund is supported by public donations, which are redirected to strengthen local community organizations’ responses.

Early contributions of $10,000 each were made from the Union of Northern Workers and the Public Service Alliance of Canada Social Justice Fund.

During the unprecedented 2023 wildfire season, United Way NWT raised more than $3.3 million for emergency response and recovery, providing funds to NWT organizations through over 130 grants.

United Way NWT is now accepting donations to its Emergency Response Fund.