Note: The page below refers to the evacuation of the City of Yellowknife caused by wildfires in the North Slave region in August 2023. As such, it contains information that is no longer current. The information below, as well as the "Road to Re-entry" webpage concerning what to expect upon return to the City, remain accessible to residents for reference only.
On September 20, 2023 the GNWT issued a Public Safety Bulletin that lifted the Evacuation Alert for Yellowknife, Dettah and N’Dilo. This means that the City of Yellowknife is no longer under an evacuation notice, alert or order.
In addition to the Evacuation Alert being lifted, as of September 25, 2023 the City-wide fire ban on open-air fires (initially put in place on July 12, 2023) has also been lifted. A reminder to residents that burning is permitted in approved fire pits only.
GNWT Five-Phase approach |
For more information, please visit: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/public-safety/re-entry-after-evacuation. |
The City is hard at work to make sure we will be ready for you when you arrive.
While we are not ready to return yet, we are already working to identify the critical businesses and services we will need in place before the broader population comes home.
We have started reaching out directly to these critical businesses and organizations to identify who and what they will need to reopen at a basic level during Phase 3. If you are deemed an essential worker of a critical business or organization, your employer will contact you.
Residents and evacuees can call 811 in the territory and 1-844-259-1793 out of territory to ask questions about the evacuation.
Stay up to date with the latest information by visiting the GNWT’s public safety page at: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/public-safety.
For updates, please follow the City of Yellowknife on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the Government of the Northwest Territories: NWT Fire Facebook, NWT Fire Twitter, GNWT Facebook, GNWT Twitter.
Preparing for Evacuations |
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IMPORTANT: Register as an Evacuee |
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How to Evacuate |
You can evacuate by land or air. Learn more https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/transportation-and-evacuating-safely-1. 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. We are working to stabilize the fire issue as quickly as we can but at this time, we cannot predict how long the evacuation period will last. To be on the safe side, take the following actions prior to evacuating:
For information on the status of NWT highways, visit the Government of the Northwest Territories’ website here: https://www.inf.gov.nt.ca/en/services/highway-system/highway-conditions-map. Deh Cho Boulevard is closed, and access will not be granted until it is safe to re-enter. Please avoid this area and allow our first responders room to safely do their job. Read more about the Evacuation Order here: https://www.gov.nt.ca/sites/flagship/files/resources/evacuation_order_yellowknife_and_area_august_16_2023.pdf |
Evacuation Reception Centres |
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Emergency Services and Support |
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Volunteering |
While an Evacuation Order is in place, entry into the City is restricted to essential workers only. If additional skilled workers are required, they will be contacted directly and provided with the appropriate documentation to facilitate entry into the community. The City appreciates the willingness of residents that want to help the community, however at this point the best thing residents can do is remain evacuated outside of Yellowknife. |
City Utility Bill and Tax Payments |
The City of Yellowknife will be all waiving late fees and penalties for utility bill payments until further notice. For more information on the City’s online access and services, please check out the City’s Virtual Town Hall. |
Northland Utilities |
Any questions regarding gas and utilities should go directly to Northlands Utilities https://www.northlandutilities.com/en-ca/contact-us.html. |
Pet Retrieval |
The City of Yellowknife and the NWT SPCA are working together to ensure the safety of pets in our community. In the urgency of evacuating, some pets were left behind in homes. Currently, the SPCA is providing water and food to pets in homes that have been identified through contact with the SPCA. Those who may have had to leave their pets behind can fill out the Pet Retrieval Form on the City’s Website to request that their pet be checked on. This form must have the consent of the homeowner or tenant. If you are neither of these but are completing a form, ensure to contact those individuals to get consent. Teams including Municipal Enforcement Division members, a locksmith, and animal care specialists, will go into homes to ensure the safety of pets. A plan will be made by staff about how to continue care for the animal, based on information in the form provided by the owner. |