‘Welcome home, everyone,’ says Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Chief Kele Antoine:

Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́/Fort Simpson re-opened to residents Saturday morning at 8 am, following nearly three weeks of being out of home due to a massive wildfire.

The community’s evacuation order has been downgraded to an alert, and motorists are asked to “drive with extreme caution, as firefighters, emergency vehicles, and heavy equipment will still be working throughout the area,” stated Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation Chief Kele Antoine.

“As exciting as this moment is, I want to remind everyone that returning home can bring many different emotions. Please be patient with one another, check in on your family, friends, and neighbours, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support.

“It’s been a long few weeks, but we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I will continue sharing information as I receive it. I look forward to welcoming everyone home safely.”

Residents are advised that smoke will remain present, and wildfire suppression activities will continue.

Also returnees should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours, as ome services in the community may not be fully operational right away.

That means bring prescription medications, food, drinking water, personal hygiene supplies, infant and pet supplies, and anything else a family may need.

For those in Yellowknife who require a return flight, the Village of Fort Simpson has released the flight procedures:

• Registration will take place in person at the Yellowknife Multiplex on Saturday, July 18, from 8 am to 12:30 pm.
• Residents staying at the Quality Inn may register in the hotel lobby during the same time.
• Shuttle buses will take registered passengers to the airport, with the final shuttle departing at 12:45 pm.
• Return flights are scheduled for noon and 2:45 pm.
• Each passenger is allowed one checked bag (maximum 50 pounds) and one personal item.
• If you require a return flight but have not been using evacuation supports, you can register by calling 867-445-4047.

These are the only return flights being coordinated by the Village of Fort Simpson.

If you miss your scheduled flight or choose not to register, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements.

The City of Yellowknife stated on Saturday morning that that announces that the Reception Centre at the Multiplex will close at 7 pm.

Following the closure of the Reception Centre, the Yellowknife Multiplex will remain temporarily closed while crews restore the facility for regular public use.

This work includes removing temporary infrastructure, completing cleaning and maintenance activities, and preparing the facility to safely welcome back residents, user groups, and visitors.

The evacuation order for Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́/Fort Simpson was issued at 7:10 pm on June 28th, due to approaching wildfire FS016.

As of Saturday morning, that blaze was at 55,403 hectares and classified as out of control.

It never entered the townsite proper, although at least one home and several outbuildings were destroyed on the periphery.

The evacuation order for Pedzéh Kı̨́/Wrigley remains in place, as the 19,700-hectare wildfire FS015 remains 11 kilometres outside of the community, but is still problematic.

From the RCMP:

“As Fort Simpson is ready to welcome back its residents, the Fort Simpson RCMP would like to thank the community for its patience during the evacuation.

“Our officers have been working tirelessly with our partners to ensure the community’s safety. Although it is now possible to return to the community, please be aware that the work of first responders is not yet complete, and that wildfire response personnel will remain in the community.

“Please exercise caution as you return to the community; wildfire smoke is unpredictable and can affect visibility on the highway. Obey traffic laws and look out for one another. We are happy to have you back!”