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
Wekweètì
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Residents of Wekweètì were evacuated due to wildfire concerns.
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An evacuation order was issued on behalf of Wekweètì.
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Supports and information were provided to evacuees upon their arrival in Yellowknife.
Sambaa K’e
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Residents of Sambaa K’e are preparing to return to the community on July 1, 2023.
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There may be times where air quality in Sambaa K’e is affected by smoke from the wildfire.
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The wildfire situation will continue to be monitored and residents should be prepared to evacuate on short notice in the event there are changes to the current wildfire conditions.
Returning home safely after a wildfire
Returning home after a wildfire affected the area may be stressful and traumatic. This guide will help you know what to do and where to get help. Before returning home think about what you will see, hear and smell in your community upon return to emotionally prepare yourself and your family. Your community may have changed dramatically.
Keep yourself safe and healthy, with the checklists in the guide.
Wildfire Status
- Follow NWT Fire for updates on wildfire:
Roads and Airports
For the latest information on NWT Highways, please refer to the Highway Conditions Map.
Wekweètì Airport:
- Airport access restricted to medevac and fire operations only (with prior permission) until further notice.
Sambaa K’e Airport:
- Airport has resumed normal operations.
Evacuee Accommodations
Sambaa K’e Evacuation Reception Centre
- The Evacuation Reception Centre in Fort Simpson for evacuees from Sambaa K’e will close by end of day on July 1, 2023.
Mental Health Services for 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
Financial Support for Evacuees
The Evacuee Income Disruption Support program
- The Evacuee Income Disruption Support program assists individuals who have lost employment income due to extended evacuation periods.
- Provides financial support to adults 17+ whose employment has been disrupted by an evacuation lasting more than seven days.
- Eligible residents can receive a one-time payment of $750.
- For more information on how to apply:
- Call: (867) 767-9168 ext. 15026
- Email: EIDS@gov.nt.ca
The Community Government Hosting Evacuees Grant
- The Community Government Hosting Evacuees Grant provides financial assistance to eligible community governments that host evacuees outside of a designated Evacuation Centre.
- To be eligible for the grant, community governments must host 10 or more registered evacuees.
- Funding starts at $20,000 and is capped at $40,000, and is based on total evacuees hosted.
- Funding can be requested after an evacuation order has been in place for seven or more days.
Business Relief
- Qualifying businesses impacted by fire evacuations can access Operational Support under the GNWT’s SEED policy to provide emergency relief or support business recovery.
- Prior to filling out an application, businesses should contact their Department of Industry Tourism and Investment’s Regional Office.
Actions today
Emergency Management Organization (EMO) Activation:
- The Territorial, North Slave, South Slave, and Dehcho Emergency Management Organizations (EMO) remain activated 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
Follow the latest emergency alerts here: https://nwtalert.ca/#/
- Download the Alertable emergency app
- Air Quality: Wildfire Smoke Exposure Advisory