Uncontrolled wildfires are bearing down on Yellowknife, forcing all 20,000 residents to flee. Yellowknife, the capital city of Canada’s Northwest Territories, is now threatened by the Behchoko/Yellowknife wildfire. This wildfire is just 10 miles from the city. The region has over 230 active fires, threatening other communities too.
The minister of municipal and community affairs issued the evacuation order on Wednesday. So, residents of Yellowknife, Ingraham Trail, N’Dilo, and Dettah had to leave their homes and businesses. They were told to evacuate by Friday noon, as the wildfire could reach the area by the weekend without rain.
The government reported, “These fires remain out of control.” They even identified the fires around Yellowknife from space on Tuesday. Airtankers flew missions Wednesday night to fight the fire. Firefighting crews are putting out hot spots and protecting structures near Highway 3. In Yellowknife itself, officials turned on sprinklers and made fuel breaks.
Residents’ evacuation efforts have formed long lines of traffic. Horrific scenes of the wildfire and escape routes engulfed in smoke appear on social media. Kimberly Benito, a Philippines student in Yellowknife, commented on the situation. She said, “I am hoping for the best but prepared for the worst,” as she fled from the fire.
For immunocompromised or high-risk health residents, evacuation flights were available. However, officials discouraged residents from fleeing by boat due to deteriorating air quality. On Tuesday, Shane Thompson, the Municipal Affairs Minister, declared a state of emergency to commit any necessary resources for fighting the fires.
Yellowknife, initially a gold mining town, is now the Northwestern Territories’ cultural and economic hub. Mines in the region have made the city prosperous, and it’s a prime location to view the Northern Lights.
