NWT Emergency Response Update - July 25, 2023 4:30pm

Public Safety Bulletin

Communities remain lead on response activities. Territorial and Regional Emergency Management Organizations are fully activated and providing resources for planning, coordination, and support to community emergency management operations.

Current status

Behchoko

  • Residents of Behchoko were evacuated due to wildfire concerns. An evacuation order was issued on behalf of Behchoko. An evacuation centre has been stood up in Yellowknife Multiplex for Behchoko residents requiring group lodging, food, and/or assistance.

Evacuee Registration Portal

The Evacuee Registration Portal is for NWT residents who need to evacuate—or be prepared to evacuate—due to an emergency or disaster.

Having residents registered within the portal will allow for more efficient assistance during an evacuation. It will assist all levels of government in providing support to community governments with their response efforts in times of need.

The Evacuee Registration portal contains personal information that cannot be used without consent from the individual for whom the personal information belongs.

Wildfire Status

Roads and Airports

 

  • NWT Highway 3, from Yellowknife to Behchokǫ̀, is CLOSED from kilometre 246 to 334 due to a wildfire. (As of 4:30 pm July 25th, 2023)

For the latest information on NWT Highways, please refer to the Highway Conditions Map.

Evacuee Accommodations

Behchoko Evacuation Reception Centre

  • An Evacuation Reception Centre has been established in Yellowknife for evacuees from Behchoko. 

Health Services for Evacuees

  • Evacuated residents can access health services in Yellowknife. 

  • Call  867-767-9294 or 867-767-9125  for a phone consultation. Identify yourself as an evacuee so we can direct your calls appropriately.

  • We expect high call volumes for this service, so we ask all residents to have patience when calling. 

  • For 24/7 non-urgent health advice and information, call 8-1-1 free-of-charge to speak to a registered nurse. 

  • The health centre in Behchokǫ̀ is currently closed.

Mental Health Services for Evacuees

  • Mental health services are being coordinated at the Yellowknife Multiplex evacuation reception centre for Behchoko evacuees. 
  • If you or someone you know has been impacted by a wildfire, checking in with a mental health and counselling resource may be helpful.  Community based mental health programs are available across all Regions. Information on how to access services in the Regions, including information on e-Mental Health and 24/7 supports can be found here : Mental Health Resources and Supports | Health and Social Services Authority (nthssa.ca)

The following supports are also available:

  • NWT Help Line: 1-800-661-0844
  • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Or text CONNECT to 686868
  • Wellness Together Canada: Adults: 1-866-585-0445, Youth: 1-888-668-6810
  • Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566
  • Hope For Wellness: 1-855-242-3310
  • Family Violence Crisis line: 1-866-223-7775

Actions today

Emergency Management Organization (EMO) Activation:

  • The Territorial and Regional Emergency Management Organizations (EMO) continue to monitor the wildfire situation across the territory and are in regular communication with affected communities.

Priorities for operations tomorrow

  • Continued monitoring of wildfire to assure safety of evacuees.
  • Continued support to affected communities and stakeholders.

Staying safe in an emergency

For the latest, most accurate emergency information, continue checking for updates with your local community government and visit www.gov.nt.ca/public-safety.

Donations

Monetary donations are being accepted by United Way NWT.

More information

NWT Alert

Follow the latest emergency alerts here: https://nwtalert.ca/#/

NWT Wildfire