Wildfire near Hay River worsens over weekend
Posted August 28, 2023 3:54 pm.
Last Updated August 28, 2023 8:00 pm.
An out-of-control wildfire closing in on Hay River, in the Northwest Territories over the weekend is forcing non-essential workers to retreat.
“I’m feeling pretty stressed out overall, I’m worried for Hay River,” said Michelle Cooke, Hay River evacuee.
The mayor of Hay River was on a flight out to safety Friday but says some residents are choosing to stay behind. The Coast Guard that patrols nearby Great Slave Lake is on standby should the fire worsen.
“It is an emotional rollercoaster, seeing your community burning as you’re leaving, not wanting to leave,” said Kandis Jameson, Mayor of Hay River.
The winds have died down since the weekend-but daytime temperatures reaching upwards of 35 degrees Celsius. Fire behaviour is expected to worsen, with flames only 1 km away from the Hay River airport and 1.5 km from the town centre.
“If you have a way out, it’s a good idea to arrange a way out,” stated Mike Westwick, Fire Information Officer for Northwest Territories.
“We got a long way ahead of us here, lots of good work being done but when you’ve got a fire that close to an area, when you’ve been having the conditions we’ve been seeing, it’s a tough situation and you should find a safe place to stay.”
According to officials the wildfire is now 417,359 hectares.
Over 200 personnel are working to battle the blaze, which includes 12 helicopters, 21 pieces of heavy equipment, and airtankers. Additional equipment is on the way.
Officials also confirmed no new structures were lost yesterday. However, it is noted that the fire has reached Delancey Estates, Paradise Garden, and Patterson Road. The fire is also 1 km away from West Point First Nation.
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Edmonton’s hotels are swamped — forcing the city to cut off further registration at its emergency reception centre, where some have been seeking refuge for two weeks now.
“We knew this one was bigger, and a lot closer, and a bigger risk but I think we all were just hopeful we would be home now,” said Cooke.
The Mayor of Hay River says no structures in the community have been lost to the fire. As for when residents can return home.
“We’re certainly not looking at what re-entry looks like right now, we are looking at defending our community,” said Mayor Jameson.
