Wildfire forces Kátł’odeeche First Nation community to undergo evacuation.
Due to the rapid growth of a wildfire fueled by strong winds on Sunday, the Kátł’odeeche First Nation has been issued an evacuation order as the community faces an imminent threat.
At 4:30 PM, an emergency alert was issued, directing residents of the South Slave community to seek refuge in the nearby town of Hay River, where the local arena is being designated as an evacuation center.
Chief April Martel confirmed that RCMP officers are actively patrolling the community using sirens to ensure the complete evacuation of all residents. Additionally, the chief mentioned that a roadblock will be stationed at the entrance of the highway leading to the First Nation’s reserve.
According to the Department of Environment and Climate Change in the Northwest Territories (NWT), a wildfire, suspected to be caused by a person, has expanded to cover an area of 15 hectares and is now within two kilometers of the reserve.
The ECC reported that strong winds are contributing to “severe fire behavior.” Presently, these winds are pushing the fire and smoke away from the KFN community. However, the department warned that later on Sunday, with the anticipated shift to northern and easterly winds, the fire and smoke are expected to be directed towards the community.
In a statement released by the Town of Hay River, it was mentioned that the ECC has assured the municipality that there is currently no immediate risk to Hay River. The town’s arena will be utilized to offer essential accommodation, health services, and recreational facilities to those evacuees seeking shelter.
An initial message advised NWT residents in the vicinity to be ready to leave, followed by a second alert issuing the evacuation order.
