Mass Evacuations and Emergency Airlifts as Wildfire Nears Canada’s Northwest Territories Capital

Amidst Canada’s most severe fire season on record, a wildfire’s approach has prompted numerous residents to evacuate the capital of the Northwest Territories. On Thursday, propelled by strong winds, the fire crept within 16 kilometers (10 miles) of Yellowknife’s northern periphery, compelling people from the four high-risk zones to depart immediately. Long lines for emergency flights and extensive road travel ensued, while officials expressed concern about the blaze potentially encroaching upon the solitary exit route from the inferno. Even with anticipated rain, precautionary measures remained in place, urging residents from other areas to evacuate by Friday noon. Shane Thompson, a government minister, emphasized that though the city wasn’t immediately imperiled, the fire could approach its outskirts by the weekend sans precipitation.

Managing the evacuation of a significant populace proved challenging, yet cooperation prevailed, and residents maintained their composure, noted Fire Information Officer Mike Westwick. Canada has faced an unparalleled surge in wildfires this year, contributing to smoke issues in parts of the United States. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reported over 5,700 fires ravaging more than 137,000 square kilometers (53,000 square miles) across the nation. Presently, 1,053 wildfires were active, with over half remaining uncontrolled. In the Northwest Territories alone, 268 wildfires have consumed an expanse exceeding 21,000 square kilometers (8,100 square miles).

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