Media Releases

Obey the Evacuation Order

On August 16, 2023, the Government of the Northwest Territories issued an Evacuation Order for Yellowknife, N’dilo, Dettah, and Ingraham Trail directing all residents of the above areas to evacuate by NOON on Friday, August 18, 2023.

It is critical that all residents obey the Evacuation Order.  Fire behavior is expected to increase in the next few days and there will be a dramatic increase in smoky conditions.  NWT Fire has advised that Wildfire ZF015 may reach the outskirts of Yellowknife by this...

Government of the NWT to take over Emergency Measures

Extensive progress has been made by the City of Yellowknife, working with all the contractors who have stepped up to construct the firebreaks, actively remove vegetation ”fuel” and establish the sprinkler lines.

What the City is doing:

• The fire break to the west of the sandpits is almost complete and is being widened to the 100M+;
• Sewage Lagoon Road has been cleared;
• Sprinklers were being tested yesterday with some adjustments today to ensure continuity, including piped water access;
• The fire break...

What to do for an Evacuation Alert

PUBLIC ADVISORY REGARDING EVACUATION ALERT

The City just issued an Evacuation Alert, what does that mean?

• An Evacuation Alert means that there is an increased risk to Yellowknife due to wildfire nearing the community. Residents should be prepared.
• There would be an Evacuation Order given if the risk escalates. The situation may change.
• It is time to prepare yourself and your family to evacuate your premises or property should it be necessary.
• Residents will be given as much advanced notice as...

City of Yellowknife Issues Evacuation Alert

The City of Yellowknife is issuing an Evacuation Alert for some areas of the city because of the real potential threat to public safety due to the Behchoko/Yellowknife wildfire (ZF015).
The Evacuation Alert is for the following areas:

• Kam Lake
• Grace Lake
• Engle Business District

Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however, you may receive limited notice du to changing conditions. Residents should be prepared of a potential need to evacuate your premises or...

City of Yellowknife Issues State of Local Emergency

The City of Yellowknife has declared a State of Local Emergency, under the NWT Emergency Management Act for our community at this time as a way to ensure it can exercise precautionary practices and acquire the equipment and resources needed to keep Yellowknife safe from the surrounding wildfires.

A State of Local Emergency is called when a community government determines additional powers are needed to take immediate action in an emergency. This includes taking over the use of vehicles or property...