NWT Communities Resume Online Services Following 24-Hour Disruption”

“Residents in select areas of the Northwest Territories report the gradual restoration of phone and internet services following a 24-hour outage. The disruption, attributed to wildfire damage severing fiber lines north of Fort Nelson and east of Fort Simpson, led to widespread disruptions in cell, landline, and internet connectivity across NWT, Yukon, and northern BC.

Northwestel announced the successful repair of the fiber line north of Fort Nelson, signaling the resumption of many services just before 10 pm. While internet, landline, and phone services are expected to be restored in Inuvik, disruptions are likely to persist in the Mackenzie Valley, Fort Simpson, Fort Liard, and Nahanni Butte communities.

Some residual challenges may persist with long-distance calling, though internet issues in Yellowknife have been resolved, Northwestel assured.

The company emphasized the importance of vigilance amidst active wildfires near critical infrastructure, acknowledging the potential for rapid changes in conditions that could affect services.

Expressing gratitude, Northwestel commended its dedicated technicians and engineers for their relentless efforts in restoring services across the region. They also thanked customers and communities for their patience during the disruption.

Inuvik’s fire department confirmed the restoration of its communication services, with residents echoing the end of the outage. Additionally, the City of Yellowknife reported the reinstatement of its 911 service.

In other areas, Fort Liard remains under evacuation notice. NWT Fire clarified on Saturday that a wildfire southwest of the hamlet hasn’t crossed the river as previously believed, but has reached an island.

Highway 1 between Sambaa Deh Falls and Redknife River reopened just before noon, though closure remains a possibility due to nearby wildfires.

Highway 1 between Alberta and the NWT has reopened with pilot cars guiding through grass fire-affected areas. However, Highway 7 remains closed at the BC border.

Conditions were notably calmer and cooler on Saturday following a Friday marked by gusting winds fueling the growth of several new fires, prompting highway shutdowns.