N.W.T tells wildfire evacuees that they cannot yet return

Evacuation order remains in effect for N.W.T and over 70 per cent of residents have been displaced.


The N.W.T government and RCMP are reminding residents that a wildfire evacuation order remains in place for Yellowknife, N’dilio, Dettah and the Ingraham Trail.

All “non-essential persons” were asked to evacuate by noon Fri., Aug. 18, according to the territorial government.

But the RCMP say some are trying to return to their homes, which could lead to their arrest and fines.

“The authorities granted on the NWT Emergency Management Act, have been in place and available to the RCMP since the territory-wide state of emergency was declared,” said Cpl Matt Halstead in an email to APTN News.

“The announcement yesterday was simply a re-issuing of the Evacuation Orders and reminder to the public of the RCMP’s ability to take action under the Act.”

Some evacuees have raised concerns on social media about the lack of communication they say they have faced since being forced to leave town.


Read more:

N.W.T government working to provide some reimbursements for evacuees

The impact of wildfires on evacuees: ‘You could taste the smoke’


In particular, they want to know when they can return home.

But Halstead said checkstops remain in place, and only essential personnel are entering the evacuated areas.

“Those checkstops are currently being staffed by personnel from the department of infrastructure,” said Halstead.

 

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