Media Releases

City to Webcast NWT Wildfire Update

The City of Yellowknife (the City) will be live webcasting the Government of the Northwest Territories’ Wildfire Update at 7 pm. Today, Friday, August 18, 2023.

The GNWT will be hosting an online update on the wildfires and evacuations today. Those looking to watch this can access it from our website here: https://www.yellowknife.ca/en/city-government/city-government-webcast-video.aspx?_mid_=34665.

For information please see trusted sources, the Government of the Northwest Territories, NWT Fire, and...

Evacuate Today

AUGUST 18, 2023

An evacuation order has been issued for residents in Yellowknife, N’dilo, Dettah, and the Ingraham Trail due to wildfire. All residents, including families of essential staff need to evacuate by TODAY - Friday, August 18, 2023.

Air evacuation is in process. Go to Sir John Franklin School to register and get on flights. If you need a ride, call 867-444-0115. Currently, there are no wait lines but as the day progresses there may be due to the number of residents being evacuated. Come...

Obey the Evacuation Order

On August 16, 2023, the Government of the Northwest Territories issued an Evacuation Order for Yellowknife, N’dilo, Dettah, and Ingraham Trail directing all residents of the above areas to evacuate by NOON on Friday, August 18, 2023.

It is critical that all residents obey the Evacuation Order.  Fire behavior is expected to increase in the next few days and there will be a dramatic increase in smoky conditions.  NWT Fire has advised that Wildfire ZF015 may reach the outskirts of Yellowknife by this...

Government of the NWT to take over Emergency Measures

Extensive progress has been made by the City of Yellowknife, working with all the contractors who have stepped up to construct the firebreaks, actively remove vegetation ”fuel” and establish the sprinkler lines.

What the City is doing:

• The fire break to the west of the sandpits is almost complete and is being widened to the 100M+;
• Sewage Lagoon Road has been cleared;
• Sprinklers were being tested yesterday with some adjustments today to ensure continuity, including piped water access;
• The fire break...

What to do for an Evacuation Alert

PUBLIC ADVISORY REGARDING EVACUATION ALERT

The City just issued an Evacuation Alert, what does that mean?

• An Evacuation Alert means that there is an increased risk to Yellowknife due to wildfire nearing the community. Residents should be prepared.
• There would be an Evacuation Order given if the risk escalates. The situation may change.
• It is time to prepare yourself and your family to evacuate your premises or property should it be necessary.
• Residents will be given as much advanced notice as...