• Stay Connected

NWT Emergency Response Update – August 31, 2025 17:00

Press Release

The community of Fort Providence has issued an evacuation order. All residents are required to evacuate the area immediately due to a wildfire in the area. Evacuees must register at the Hay River Community Centre, Yellowknife Fieldhouse Reception Centre (only for Fort Providence residents stranded in Yellowknife) or online here: Evacuee Registration Form. Transportation is being arranged at the Fort Providence Arena for anyone who needs transportation assistance. Updates from the Hamlet of Fort Providence will be put on Facebook on the Fort Providence Announcements & Events page.

Additional information may be found at https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/public-safety.

For additional updates go to the NWT Wildfire Update webpage.

Jean Marie River – Evacuation Notice

The Community of Jean Marie River issued an evacuation notice on August 30, 2025 at 4:10 pm. This evacuation notice remains in place.

This notice is to advise the residents of Jean Marie River of a wildfire currently in the area which may present an increased risk to the community and residents. The community of Jean Marie River is advised to prepare for a potential emergency and/or evacuation if necessary. Residents are asked to monitor news sources and keep aware of the situation. For updates, check the Jean Marie River First Nations Facebook Page. Local Residents are instructed to check in with the band office if they have questions.

For wildfire updates go to the NWT Wildfire Update webpage: https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/services/wildfire-update/en/firedata.

Whati – Evacuation Order

The Community of Whatì issued an evacuation order on August 29, 2025 at 10:00 am. This evacuation order remains in place.

All Whatì residents are required to evacuate the area immediately due to a wildfire in the area. Reception centres are set up in Behchokǫ̀ and Yellowknife. Evacuees will receive more information when you register. For updates go to the GNWT Public Safety webpage: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/public-safety/latest-updates.

Services and Supports for Evacuees

Information on services available to evacuees can be found here: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/public-safety/services-and-supports-evacuees.

Evacuee Registration

It is recommended that evacuees continue to receive services at the reception centre they are currently at and remain in that reception community.

The evacuation centres in both Behchokǫ̀ and Yellowknife are experiencing high demand and are currently operating near full capacity. Given these constraints, services will be allocated based on the order of registration, making early registration essential for securing placement and accessing needed resources.

Fort Providence

Evacuees from Fort Providence must register at the Fort Providence Arena or online here: Evacuee Registration Form. The Hay River Community Centre is the reception centre for evacuees from Fort Providence. You must register at the Hay River Community Centre when you arrive.

Fort Providence residents stranded in Yellowknife can register at the Yellowknife Fieldhouse Reception Centre and access evacuation services in Yellowknife.

Whatì

Evacuees travelling to Behchokǫ̀ must register at the Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre.

Evacuees travelling to Yellowknife must register at the Yellowknife Fieldhouse.

Updates on the Yellowknife evacuation center hours and how to assist evacuees will be available at the News Room on the City’s website: https://www.yellowknife.ca/modules/news/en and the City of Yellowknife Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/OurYellowknife.

Both evacuation sites are open to and ready to welcome evacuated Whatì residents.

If you need to report a missing person, contact the RCMP at 9-1-1 or 867-669-1111.

Do not remain in evacuated communities

Residents who choose not to follow an evacuation order should understand they stay at their own risk.

Responders may not be able to come to your rescue if they don’t know that you need help, or if it is unsafe for them to attempt to do so. Please follow the directions of emergency personnel and officials for the safety of yourself and others.

Services for all Evacuees

These services are available to evacuated residents from Whatì and Fort Providence.

Accommodations for Evacuees

Evacuees who require accommodation assistance should report to the dedicated evacuation reception centres. For Whatì residents these are the Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre or the Yellowknife Fieldhouse Reception Centre. For Fort Providence residents this is the Hay River Community Centre. Any accommodations outside of those provided through the dedicated evacuation reception centres are not eligible for reimbursement.

There are no available hotel rooms in Yellowknife for evacuated residents to stay at.

Mental Health Supports

Being evacuated from your home community is stressful. Checking in with a mental health and counselling resource can help provide strategies, advice, and resources to deal with this difficult situation.

Many remote supports are available:

Emergency Evacuation Relief Program

Residents of Whatì and Fort Providence can apply to the Emergency Evacuation
Relief Program (EERP) for a one-time payment to help with the costs associated with their evacuation, such as accommodation needs and everyday expenses such as groceries, gas, and other essentials. Whatì residents receiving income assistance are eligible for the (EERP).

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/en/services/emergency-evacuation-relief-program. Assistance for Whatì evacuees will alternate between the Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre and the Yellowknife Fieldhouse Reception Centre.

Driver and Vehicle Services

To find the driver and vehicle office nearest to you, visit https://www.idmv.inf.gov.nt.ca/Help/Driver-and-Vehicle-Offices

Health Services

  • If you cannot reach your local clinic or hospital by phone, go in person for urgent needs.
  • Registered nurses are available 24/7 through 811 or 1-844-259-1793 for health advice.
  • In an emergency, call 911.

Wildfire Smoke

The latest information on  wildfire in the North Slave and South Slave regions can be found here: https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/newsroom/wildfire-and-smoke-exposure-north-slave-and-south-slave-regions.

For the information on wildfire smoke, please visit: Smoke Forecast.

NWT Alert

Follow the latest emergency alerts here: https://nwtalert.ca/#/

Services for Fort Providence Evacuees

Residents evacuating from Fort Providence are directed to go to the Hay River Community Centre. Basic accommodation, food, recreation, programming, and fire information services will be provided. Evacuees can contact the Hay River Community Centre’s Reception Centre at 867-874-6522.

The Hay River Community Centre is not accepting donations at this time.

Fort Providence residents stranded in Yellowknife can register at the Yellowknife Fieldhouse Reception Centre. The Tłı̨chǫ reception desk is open from 8:30 am – 11:00 pm.

Transportation

Transportation is being arranged at the Fort Providence Arena for anyone who needs transportation assistance.

Justice programs and closures

Fort Providence Victim Services is available in person in Hay River or remotely. Responses may be delayed as staff are assisting with the evacuation. Contact Fort Providence Victim Services here: 867-876-2020 or victimservices@katlodeeche.com.

Fort Providence Probations is closed and has implemented telephone reporting for offenders currently on Probation in the community. Contact Fort Providence Probations here: 867-874-6472 or 1-877-804-6272 (toll-free).

Services Available for Evacuees at the Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre

Food for Evacuees

Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre will serve breakfast between 8:00 am – 10:00 am, lunch between 11:45 am- 1:45 pm, and dinner between 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Snacks are available at the sportsplex throughout the day.

No other means / food will be provided outside of what is available at the Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre. Evacuees must register at the Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre and get a wrist band to access meals.

Income Assistance

If you have questions or would like to apply for Income Assistance please contact the Behchokǫ ECE Service Centre at:

  • 1-867-392-6201

Health Care

If you do not have your health care card or NIHB details with you, you will still be able to access care. Staff at the local health centre can confirm your information and help you get the services or medications you need.

  • For urgent health care, go to the Behchokǫ̀ Health Centre. Phone: 867-392-6075. If phones are not working, go in person.
  • Bring your health card and medications if possible. If you are an NIHB client and have lost your medications or supplies, staff will help you renew them.
  • If you require a refill to your prescriptions visit the Behchokǫ̀ Health Centre. Staff will help you renew your prescriptions and ensure you can access what you need, even if you do not have your prescription papers with you. However, there may be a delay in processing.
  • If the health centre is closed, information about where to go will be posted at the building and shared locally.

Child and Family Services

Both prevention and protection services are available through Child and Family Services. Prevention services are voluntary and may include supplementary support (financial and non-financial), service navigation, and connections to other supports/services.

  • If you cannot reach the on-call emergency number, go to the Behchokǫ̀ Health Centre or your local RCMP detachment for assistance.
  • Behchokǫ̀ CFS Office: 867-392-3005
  • On-call CFS (after hours): 867-686-2500

During this time of increased stress for families, children and youth have the potential of being at greater risk of harm. Anyone who suspects child maltreatment and neglect has a responsibility to report these concerns to their local Child and Family Services office.

Services Available for Evacuees at the Yellowknife Fieldhouse Recpetion Centre and Multiplex

The Field House doors lock at 11:00 PM sharp—no late arrivals will be admitted. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted inside the building.

Smoking is not permitted in or on any City of Yellowknife recreational property. There is a designated smoking area between the Yellowknife Fieldhouse Reception Centre and Yellowknife Multiplex marked by yellow bollards.

Food for Evacuees

The Salvation Army will provide food to evacuated Whatì residents at the Yellowknife Multiplex. Breakfast will be served between 8:00 am – 9:00 am, lunch is between 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm, and dinner is between 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm.

No other means / food will be provided outside of what is available at the Yellowknife Fieldhouse Reception Centre and Multiplex. Evacuees must register at the The Tłı̨chǫ reception desk, which is open from 8:30 am – 10:00 pm, and get a wristband to access meals.

Transit

Whatì residents evacuated to Yellowknife can request a three-day visitor parking pass for free downtown parking at the Municipal Enforcement Division (MED) Office on the lower level of Yellowknife City Hall (4807 – 52 Street). The MED Office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, except on statutory holidays. Parking meters in Yellowknife are in effect Monday to Friday, except on statutory holidays.

YK Transit is free to evacuated Whatì residents who have registered at the Yellowknife Fieldhouse Reception Centre and have a wristband. YK Transit operates Monday to Saturday.  https://www.yellowknife.ca/en/living-here/transit.aspx?_mid_=34333.

The RV dump-and-fill station is located on Kam Lake Road across from Coronation Drive, and is available for RV pump out.

Income Assistance

If you have questions or would like to apply for Income Assistance, please contact the North Slave ECE Service Centre at:

  • 1-866-768-8145

Health Care

If you do not have your health care card or NIHB details with you, you will still be able to access care. Staff at the local health centre can confirm your information and help you get the services or medications you need.

  • For urgent health care, go to Stanton Territorial Hospital or the nearest Yellowknife health centre.
  • During an evacuation, it is important to bring your medication. If you require a refill to your prescriptions, visit the local pharmacy. Pharmacists can renew medications even if you do not have your prescription papers, but there may be a delay in processing. NIHB clients will continue to have coverage.

Child and Family Services

Both prevention and protection services are available through Child and Family Services. Prevention services are voluntary and may include supplementary support (financial and non-financial), service navigation, and connections to other supports/services.

  • Yellowknife CFS Office: 867-767-9122
  • On-call CFS (after hours): 867-445-1092

During this time of increased stress for families, children and youth have the potential of being at greater risk of harm. Anyone who suspects child maltreatment and neglect has a responsibility to report these concerns to their local Child and Family Services office.

Dogs

There are four designated off-leash dog areas and one enclosed dog park in Yellowknife. Pets are not permitted in the Yellowknife Cemetery or parks. For more information on off-leash dog areas, visit: https://www.yellowknife.ca/en/getting-active/off-leash-dog-areas.aspx.

Recreation

IHT5

NationTalk Partners & Sponsors Learn More