NWT Emergency Response Update - July 05, 2023 4:30pm
Public Safety Bulletin

Communities remain lead on response activities. Territorial and Regional Emergency Management Organizations are fully activated and providing resources for planning, coordination, and support to community emergency management operations.

 

Current status

Wekweètì

  • Flights were provided on July 4 and 5 for residents of Wekweètì to return home.
  • The wildfire situation will continue to be monitored and residents should be prepared to evacuate on short notice in the event there are changes to the current wildfire conditions.

Sambaa K’e

  • Sambaa K’e residents returned home on July 1, 2023.
  • The wildfire situation will continue to be monitored and residents should be prepared to evacuate on short notice in the event there are changes to the current wildfire conditions.
  • There are currently no evacuation alerts or orders.

Returning home safely after a wildfire

Returning home after a wildfire affected the area may be stressful and traumatic. This guide will help you know what to do and where to get help. Before returning home think about what you will see, hear and smell in your community upon return to emotionally prepare yourself and your family. Your community may have changed dramatically.

Keep yourself safe and healthy, with the checklists in the guide.

Wildfire Status

Roads and Airports

For the latest information on NWT Highways, please refer to the Highway Conditions Map.

Sambaa K’e Airport and Wekweètì Airport

  • Airport has resumed normal operations.

Highway 7 –  Check before you drive

  • Due to a wildfire in British Columbia, the highway may be closed at the NWT/BC border.

  • Conditions can change quickly. For the most up-to-date information on road status please check the following highway condition websites:

Highway 8 – Check before you drive

  • A wildfire in the area may impact travel between Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic.

  • Conditions can change quickly. For the most up-to-date information on road status please visit: https://www.dot.gov.nt.ca/Highways

Health Services

Mental Health Services

If you or someone you know has been impacted by a wildfire, checking in with a mental health and counselling resource may be helpful. 

Those affected by the Wekweètì fire who are looking for information on mental health services can contact the TCSA:

  • Blessing Jima – 867-686-2409

  • Pirmin Schori – 902-802-4648

  • Sitheni Nkomo – 867-686-2408

The following supports are also available:

  • NWT Help Line: 1-800-661-0844
  • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Or text CONNECT to 686868
  • Wellness Together Canada: Adults: 1-866-585-0445, Youth: 1-888-668-6810
  • Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566
  • Hope For Wellness: 1-855-242-3310
  • Family Violence Crisis line: 1-866-223-7775

Financial Support for Evacuees

The Evacuee Income Disruption Support program

  • The Evacuee Income Disruption Support program assists individuals who have lost employment income due to extended evacuation periods.
  • Provides financial support to adults 17+ whose employment has been disrupted by an evacuation lasting more than seven days.
  • Eligible residents can receive a one-time payment of $750.
  • For more information on how to apply:

The Community Government Hosting Evacuees Grant

  • The Community Government Hosting Evacuees Grant provides financial assistance to eligible community governments that host evacuees outside of a designated Evacuation Centre.
  • To be eligible for the grant, community governments must host 10 or more registered evacuees.
  • Funding starts at $20,000 and is capped at $40,000, and is based on total evacuees hosted.
  • Funding can be requested after an evacuation order has been in place for seven or more days.

Business Relief

Actions today

Emergency Management Organization (EMO) Activation:

  • The Territorial and Regional Emergency Management Organizations (EMO) continue to monitor the wildfire situation across the territory and are in regular communication with communities.

Priorities for operations tomorrow

  • Continued monitoring of wildfire to assure safety of evacuees.
  • Continued support to affected communities and stakeholders.

Staying safe in an emergency

For the latest, most accurate emergency information, continue checking for updates with your local community government and visit www.gov.nt.ca/public-safety.

NWT Weather Alerts

Extreme heat and poor air quality can affect your health and well-being. Click the links below to learn more:

Link to active heat warnings and air quality alerts: https://weather.gc.ca/?zoom=8&center=60.67747013,-112.35577273&alertTableFilterProv=NT#alerttable      

Follow the latest emergency alerts here: https://nwtalert.ca/

Donations

Monetary donations are being accepted by United Way NWT.

More information

NWT Alert

Follow the latest emergency alerts here: https://nwtalert.ca/#/

NWT Wildfire

 

 

Updated: Jul 05, 2023