Media Releases

City Releases Overview of Evacuation Framework

The City of Yellowknife (the City) is releasing an overview of its Evacuation Framework to the public, until such time as the plan is in its final format. The City would like to stress that the release of this document is not an indication of a worsening situation in Yellowknife, rather it is to provide information to residents. Yellowknife is not under threat at this time.

This summary, which outlines the two different kinds of evacuations that could happen in Yellowknife, includes sample...

City of Yellowknife Preparing to Welcome Behchokǫ̀ Evacuees

The City of Yellowknife is preparing to welcome residents of Behchokǫ̀ who were ordered to evacuate their communities as a result of the threat of wildfires nearing their community and adjacent Highway.

The City is working with several Government of the Northwest Territories departments through the North Slave Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) in responding to the need to provide immediate shelter for evacuees arriving in our community. As the City did with residents of Hay River and...

House Fire Extinguished Downtown

On Saturday, July 22, at 4:12 a.m. the Yellowknife Fire Division received a call for service on 52nd Street. When crews arrived on the scene, it was determined the side of the home was on fire. Staff acted quickly and was able to contain and eventually extinguish the fire, both on the exterior and the interior.

The occupants were able to safely leave their home and no injuries were reported.

The scene has been turned over to the Office of the Fire Marshal for further investigation.

Free Access to Fieldhouse Track and Indoor Playground Amidst Wildfire Smoke

In light of the ongoing wildfires and their impact on air quality, the City of Yellowknife (the City) is granting free access to the track and the indoor playground at the Fieldhouse when the local Air Quality Health Index is of 7 or greater. The Air Quality Health Index for Yellowknife can be found on the Government of Canada website. The Yellowknife Public Library also remains open as an option for public access during its regular operating hours. 

Community members will be notified when free...

Forest Fire Extinguished Behind Canadian Tire

On Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. the Yellowknife Fire Division, with assistance from the Government of the Northwest Territories’ Department of Environment and Climate Change, responded to a forest fire 200 meters behind the Canadian Tire building. Upon arrival, crews estimated there to be a 10 square meter fire, burning the trees and underbrush within the vicinity. 

Personnel successfully contained the fire to the area, deploying hose lines until the fire was extinguished. Overhaul was...