Fort Simpson remains under evacuation alert

Fort Simpson remains under evacuation alert

As of Saturday morning, the fire remains 9 kilometers west of the community

Fort Simpson is still under an evacuation alert, after it was issued on Friday evening.

As of 9 a.m. Saturday morning, the fire remains approximately nine kilometers west of the Fort Simpson Airport, holding overnight at approximately 100 hectares in size. Although the alert advised residents to be prepared to evacuate on short notice, as of Saturday morning according to the notice posted by the Village of Fort Simpson this remained a warning only, with no immediate danger to the community.

Caused by a lightning strike, the blaze grew quickly on Friday evening. Crews continue to action the fire with more updates expected this morning.

“Wildfire crews and aircraft are responding aggressively,” N.W.T. Fire posted on social media on Friday night.

On Friday evening, multiple wildfire crews had been assigned, alongside eight air tankers and two helicopters dropping water along the perimeter of the fire. As of Saturday morning, the fire was classified as out-of-control, which means firefighting efforts have not yet stopped the blaze from spreading or held it within control lines.

N.W.T. Fire stated on social media that crews would continue suppression efforts until the fire is brought under control.

The Village of Fort Simpson issued the evacuation alert for the community on Friday night. An alert is the second step in the safety protocol and urges residents to prepare for a potential evacuation: it is not an evacuation order itself.

“Pack a bag with basic clothing, snacks, water, medications,” the village posted on Facebook Friday night, adding people should fuel up if they intend to leave by personal vehicle.

For those who would need to be flown out, the instructions were the same with the caveat that pets and excess baggage will not be allowed to board.

Fort Simpson also instructed community members to register with the government of the Northwest Territories in advance, by filling out a form.

Jessica Davey-Quantick has been reporting in the North since 2016. You can reach her at jessica.davey-quantick@cbc.ca.