NWT Fire has reported that as of this morning, the wildfire that caused the evacuation order for Fort Simpson has crossed Highway 1 to the west and north of the community but has still not entered the village or surrounding residential areas.
The report, issued at 9:30 am, said that the fire was still several hundred meters from Gil Crescent and Wildrose. It burned across Highway 1 and back towards Syne. It has also crossed the highway north of the village and burned to the Mackenzie River. It has not crossed onto the island.
The fire is expected to continue to burn adjacent to the community today, with lower fire behavior than yesterday due to reduced winds and temperatures.
The size of the fire is currently estimated at over 10000 hectares, though NWT Fire says there may be more unaccounted growth as they work to map the new perimeter.
Airtankers, skimmers, and helicopters will continue their work on priority areas of the fire adjunct to the community.
Ground crews will also be working along the fire’s edge to control its growth. Controlled ignitions may be used to remove unburned fuel.
Structure protection efforts continue in the Wildrose and Gil Crescent areas, with structural and wildland firefighters ready to engage in structure protection and defense should the fire enter the village.
A shelter-in-place order has been issued for those still in Fort Simpson, instructing residents and emergency/essential personnel to shelter at the recreation center.
The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority has announced that the Fort Simpson Health Centre as well as the Wrigley Health Cabin will be closed until further notice as the evacuations continue.
Canada Post has issued a Red Alert for Fort Simpson as well as Wrigley, meaning all post offices in the communities are closed and all mail will be held at an offsite location until further notice.
The City of Yellowknife has announced that evacuees from Fort Simpson will be able to ride city transit free of charge by showing their neon green wristbands issued at registration. These wristbands also provide access to reception center services, including cots, meals, and showers.
