NWT Emergency Response Update - July 26, 2023 4:00pm

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.

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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 at the Yellowknife Multiplex for Behchoko residents requiring group lodging, food, and/or assistance.
  • The community is requesting that residents not return home until it is safe to do so.
  • For updates and information visit the Kǫ̀ Gocho Sportsplex Centre Facebook page
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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.

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Wildfire Status

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Roads and Airports

  • NWT Highway 3 (between Behchokǫ̀ and Yellowknife) is CLOSED from km 238 to 334 due to a wildfire.

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

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Evacuee Accommodations

Behchoko Evacuation Reception Centre

 

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Public Housing

  • Behchokǫ̀ Kò Gha K’àodèe phone lines are not being monitored at this time.

  • Public housing tenants can contact the North Slave District Office at:

    • 867-767-9332 ext.85126

    • Toll-Free: 1-844-NWT-HOME (1-844-698-4663)

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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
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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.
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Priorities for operations tomorrow

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

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Donations

Ways non-displaced residents can help: 

  • Monetary donations are being accepted by United Way NWT and often handed to residents directly as gift cards. This is an effective way to meet the individual needs of displaced residents. 
  • Physical goods can be dropped at the Yellowknife Salvation Army Thrift Shop and labeled: Fire Relief. 
  • Food, clothing and most other donations are not being accepted at the evacuation reception centre in Yellowknife. 
  • The evacuation reception centre will accept donations of new unopened items for basic personal care needs such as: shampoo, toiletries, towels, lotions, deodorant, face cloths, etc.  
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More information

NWT Alert

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

NWT Wildfire

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