Yellowknife is currently in the third phase of the GNWT’s five-phase reopening plan, which is to begin calling back essential workers and essential businesses.
The plan was first unveiled at a press conference on Monday afternoon. It consists of making sure the community is safe; Checking for damage and identifying critical services; Bringing back essential workers; Setting basic services back up again; and returning residents home.
The City was able to skip the second phase of this plan, which would be to assess fire damage to the community.
Yesterday, the fire nearest to Yellowknife was reclassified from “out of control” to “being held,” although officials warn the danger is not past just yet.
There is still no date set for re-entry of the general population.
Meanwhile, no new damage has been reported in Hay River despite record or near record-high temperatures today. Nor did the fire progress significantly towards any landmarks. More hot weather is in the forecast for tomorrow, although there is a chance of rain in the forecast for the weekend.
Near Fort Smith, nearly 370 personnel are fighting the Wood Buffalo Complex, which remains out of control and about 3.4 kilometres from the town at last estimate. Temperatures there are forecast to be above 30 for the rest of the week and into next week, with very little chance of rain.
