The wildfire threatening Fort Providence has advanced to the southeast edge of the community but no homes have been destroyed, according to the last update from NWT Fire just after noon on Monday.
The fire has been showing "torching" behaviour — sometimes burning through the tops of trees, NWT Fire stated. The situation is so dangerous that some essential workers were evacuated, although firefighters remained in the community as of the last update.
The resources assigned to fight the massive blaze comprise six fire crews, three helicopters, seven bulldozers, two fire trucks from Hay River, two mulchers, one water truck, structure protection specialists and an incident management team.
"Aircraft will make water drops to reduce the fire’s intensity whenever it is safe to do so, however, visibility issues are making most aerial firefighting unsafe," NWT Fire stated.
Many of the approximately 700 evacuees from Fort Providence have fled to Hay River or south to Alberta.
In Hay River, the municipality and Hay River Health and Social Services established a reception centre for Fort Providence evacuees at the Hay River Community Centre. At this location, which has more than 220 cots, those in need can find out about food, accommodation, recreation, programming and fire information services. More than 450 people registered for assistance on Sunday.
Free camping is available at Homesteaders (Rowes Construction just past junction of highways 2 and 5) while paid camping can be accessed at the Hay River Territorial Park Campground, Twin Falls Territorial Park (Louise Falls Campground) and Castaways, according to the municipality.
The Hay River Thrift Store was opened by volunteers on Sunday afternoon so that evacuees could pick up clothing and other necessities.
Hay River South MLA and cabinet Minister Vince McKay expressed pride in his community in a public statement on Sunday.
"Within hours, the Town of Hay River set up a reception centre with sleeping accommodations, food, and resources for Fort Providence residents. Thank you to town staff, GNWT employees and community volunteers who have stepped up to support the town and Fort Providence," McKay wrote. "Thank you to our fire department for sending a team of structural firefighters to help protect Fort Providence. Working together makes us stronger. Also Big thanks to the United Way Northwest Territories for helping the town and the residents of Fort Providence with much needed quick financial assistance."
'Every gesture matters' in Yellowknife
Numerous evacuees from Whati, a community of close to 600 residents, have made their way to Behchoko and Yellowknife following a wildfire evacuation there on Friday.
The City of Yellowknife says it is communicating with the Tlicho Government to deliver reception services at the Yellowknife Evacuation Centre. On-site reception support, the serving of food and hygiene kits are the responsibility of the Salvation Army.
The Yellowknifes Dene First Nation is allowing campers who attended the weekend hand games tournament to stay at the Wiiliideh site, near the Yellowknife River, until they are able to return home.
Mayor Ben Hendriksen stated, “Yellowknife is working to support our neighbours from Whatì and Fort Providence. We all know the challenges of being far from home in these difficult times. Our community’s compassion and resilience shine through in moments like these, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has stepped up to help. Whether it’s offering a warm meal, a safe place to stay, or simply a kind word — every gesture matters.”
The Salvation Army is accepting donations, particularly money, which can be made online at www.salvationarmy.ca or in-person at the Salvation Army NWT Resource Centre at 4925 45 Street.
"In addition, numerous Yellowknife organizations are mobilizing support for evacuees, their families, and pets, and residents are encouraged to connect directly with these organizations to learn about volunteer opportunities," the City of Yellowknife stated in an Aug. 31 news release.
The Salvation Army's Maj. Ben Lippers and two colleagues flew in from Alberta Saturday afternoon, just a day after Whati was evacuated. Three more Salvation Army officials arrived Sunday night.
The charitable organization's tasks include preparing meals from portable kitchens set up in large trucks outside the Fieldhouse and running the registration desk in the Multiplex, where there are 90 cots for those requiring accommodation.
By mid-afternoon on Sunday, 312 people had registered as evacuees in the NWT capital, but the number is expected to grow.
According to Yellowknife Salvation Army executive director Tony Brushett, staff and volunteers are prepared to serve for two weeks before replacements come in, should the evacuation extend that long. The organization estimates that the costs to support evacuees daily is $36 per person.
“We don't want public recognition,” says Lippers, who reports to Brushett. “We just want to come in, quietly do our job and slip away.”
Lippers is waiting to hear whether members of his team will be needed in Hay River to support evacuees from Fort Providence there.
The organization's efforts at the dining hall and registration area are supported by local volunteers and Salvation Army staff. The Tlicho Government can offer Dene language services, mental health services and familiar faces to Whati evacuees.
