Northwest Territories announced Wednesday that the region’s Highway 2 and Highway 5 have been shut down as the state of wildfires in NWT are quickly worsening, with high possibility of other roads and highways being closed.
Currently, the fire was reported to be about 16 kilometers away from NWT’s capital Yellowknife. The city has a population of about 20,000.
Active fires across N.W.T. Via: govt.nt.ca
Evacuation order for Highway 3 was extended earlier in the day, as westerly winds are expected to push the fires further east. During an evacuation order, residents are asked to keep necessary belongings packed in case of unexpected rescue.
N.W.T’s municipal and community affairs minister Shane Thompson declared a territorial state of emergency on Tuesday, allowing it to access resources to combat what it’s calling an unprecedented wildfire season.
Evacuations have been ordered for Fort Smith, Enterprise, Jean Marie River and Hay River, with many being airlifted and taking to safer locations, mostly cities in neighbouring Alberta.
As of Wednesday, N.W.T government’s website puts the number of active fires in the region at 236.
Residents have taken to social media, including posts on the platform ‘X’ (previously Twitter), to showcase the extend of the situation.