Wildfire Threatens Fort Good Hope, NWT, as Evacuation Continues Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories (NWT) is under threat from a wildfire that ignited on July 1st, prompting an ongoing evacuation effort. The fire, dubbed the “Fort Good Hope Wildfire,” is burning approximately 50 kilometers southwest of the community. As of July 2nd, the wildfire has grown to an estimated size of 16,000 hectares and is exhibiting extreme fire behavior. The flames are fueled by dry vegetation, resulting in rapid spread and high smoke production. The Fort Good Hope community has been evacuated to the nearby community of Norman Wells. Approximately 1,200 residents have been displaced and are being provided with shelter, food, and other necessities. Firefighters from the Northwest Territories Wildfire Management and Emergency Services, as well as crews from other jurisdictions, are battling the blaze. Air support is also being deployed to drop water and fire retardant. The NWT government has declared a state of emergency in the area and is urging residents to stay informed about the situation. Smoke from the fire has significantly impacted air quality in the region. The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation. Hot, dry conditions and human activity are believed to have contributed to its ignition. The evacuation order remains in effect as the fire continues to pose a threat to the community. Residents are advised to follow the instructions of local authorities and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. The Northwest Territories government has established an information line for updates on the wildfire and evacuation: 1-800-661-0848. Residents can also visit the government website for more information: https://www.gov.nt.ca/disaster-and-emergency-preparedness/fire/wildfire-situationWildfire Threatens Fort Good Hope, NWTWildfire Threatens Fort Good Hope, NWT As of Sunday morning, a wildfire continues to pose a threat to homes in the community of Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories. Fort Good Hope Chief Collin Pierrot reported that no structures were damaged overnight, but the fire remains a significant concern. About 300 of the community’s 500 residents have evacuated, with 180 heading to Norman Wells and others evacuating by boat to a fish camp. The community’s airport remains open. Pierrot believes the fire may have reached the end of the community’s airstrip, but smoky conditions hinder confirmation. He expressed concerns about potential weather conditions and the risk of the fire reigniting. One resident, Rose McNeely, evacuated with her family and pets. She described the fire as “really black” and expressed relief at being in a safe location. Need for Additional Firefighting Crews Pierrot urged the authorities to provide additional firefighter crews to assist in the firefighting efforts. He explained that evacuating people by plane has been slow due to the limited size of the planes in the community. Fire Growth and Containment Efforts The NWT Fire department reported a high probability of structure loss overnight. The fire, initially five hectares in size, has now grown to an estimated 200 hectares. Fire information officer Mike Westwick attributed the increase in size to strong winds and extended sunlight. Winds have shifted to the northeast, potentially pushing the fire towards Fort Good Hope. Fire crews are focused on containing the fire at the road and providing structural protection for the community. “We’re doing absolutely everything we can to protect what we can as this extreme situation unfolds,” Westwick said.Wildfire Threatens Fort Good Hope, NWT, as Evacuation Continues FORT GOOD HOPE, N.W.T. – A wildfire burning near Fort Good Hope, N.W.T., continues to pose a threat to the community, prompting an ongoing evacuation order. The fire, which started on June 30, has grown to an estimated 17,000 hectares and is burning approximately 20 kilometres west of the community. Evacuation efforts began on July 1, with residents being transported to Yellowknife and other nearby communities. As of July 3, approximately 1,200 people had been evacuated. “The safety of our residents is our top priority,” said Chief Tommy Kakfwi of the Deh Gah Got’ie First Nation. “We are working closely with emergency officials to ensure that everyone is evacuated safely and that we are prepared for any potential threats.” Firefighters from across the Northwest Territories and beyond are battling the blaze, supported by water bombers and helicopters. “We have a lot of resources on the ground,” said Scott Stewart, Manager of Wildfire Management with the Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “Our crews are working hard to contain the fire and protect the community.” The wildfire is burning in a remote area with limited access, making it difficult to extinguish. Strong winds and dry conditions are contributing to the fire’s spread. “We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as they become available,” said Stewart. “We ask residents to stay informed and follow the instructions of emergency officials.” The evacuation order remains in place at this time. Residents are urged to register with the Canadian Red Cross and to follow updates from the Deh Gah Got’ie First Nation and the Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources.