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NWT Emergency Response Update – September 3, 2025 – 17:00

Press Release

Current Evacuation Notification Status:

Jean Marie River – Evacuation Alert

Tthets’éhk’édélı̨ First Nation issued an evacuation alert on September 2 advising residents of Jean Marie River to be prepared in case they have to evacuate due to wildfire activity in the area. Updates can be found on the community Facebook Page. Local residents are instructed to check with the Band Office if you have questions.

Fort Providence – Evacuation Order

The community of Fort Providence issued an evacuation order on August 31, 2025. This evacuation order remains in place. Updates from the Hamlet of Fort Providence will be put on Facebook on the Fort Providence Announcements & Events page.

Whatì – Evacuation Order

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

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.

Wildfire Status

Follow NWT Fire for updates on wildfire:

NWT Fire Wildfire Update

NWT Fire Facebook page

Highways and Airports

Highway conditions can change quickly with no warning. Check DriveNWT.ca before you travel.

Evacuee Registration – Update

The Tlicho Government has announced that the Behchokǫ̀ Evacuation Centre will be closing at the end of today, Wednesday September 3, 2025. Most Whatì Evacuees will be moving to the Yellowknife Evacuation Centre.

The Tłı̨chǫ Government will continue to provide food for Whatì Evacuees who choose to stay in Behchokǫ̀ with family/friends from the Culture Centre.

  • Breakfast 8-10 am
  • Lunch 12 pm-2 pm
  • Dinner 5 pm-7 pm

Fort Providence

Evacuees from Fort Providence must register at the Hay River Community Centre or online here: Evacuee Registration Form.

Whatì

Evacuees from Whatì 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.

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

Do Not Remain In or Return to Communities Under an Evacuation Order

Residents who choose not to follow an evacuation order should understand they are doing so 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.

All personal accommodations outside of the evacuation centres are at the expense and responsibility of the individual and are not eligible for reimbursement.

Please be aware that the demands on hotel spaces in Yellowknife is high and it is likely that rooms will not be available.

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

Evacuees 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. Residents receiving income assistance are eligible for the (EERP).

For more information, visit: https://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/en/services/emergency-evacuation-relief-program.

Evacuees do not have to go to the evacuation centre to apply for the EERP. Evacuated residents are encouraged to apply online here: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/form/evacuee-funding.

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/#/

Download the Alertable emergency app

For Apple

For Android

Services for Fort Providence Evacuees

The Hay River Community Centre is providing 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 closed from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am. All evacuees staying at the Hay River Community Centre must be in the building before it closes. Security services are provided overnight.

Food for evacuees

Catered food is provided at the Hay River Community Centre at 8:00 am, 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Snack, sandwiches and drinks are also provided.

Donations

The Hay River Community Centre is not requesting donations or more volunteers at this time. If you are a resident of Hay River and would like to register as a volunteer or offer a service, call: 867-974-6522 between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm.

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.

There are medical staff at the Hay River Community Centre to provide triage, basic first aid and triage services.

For urgent health care, go to the Hay River Regional Health Centre or call: 867-874-8000

In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

For general health advice, call 8-1-1 to speak with a Registered Nurse.

Mental health services for evacuees are available at the Hay River Community Centre.

Child and Family Services

There is staff from Child and Family Services at the Hay River Community Centre for evacuated Fort Providence residents to access.

Hay River CFS Office: 867-874-8430

On-call CFS (after hours): 867-876-7012

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

A temporary kennel service has been set up for evacuated Fort Providence residents’ dogs.

Recreation

Evacuated Fort Providence residents can access recreation programming, such as the aquatic centre.

Health and Social Services Closures

The Fort Providence Community Health and Social Services Centre will be closed until further notice. Two paramedics are providing services out of the health centre for emergency workers.

Emergency services personal in Fort Providence can reach the paramedic team by radio in the event of a communication outage. More information here: https://www.nthssa.ca/en/newsroom/hamlet-fort-providence-health-and-social-services-centre-closed

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 Yellowknife Fieldhouse Reception Centre and Multiplex

The Fieldhouse 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 and Fort Providence 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 Tłı̨chǫ reception desk and get a wristband to access meals.

Donations

The Salvation Army is coordinating all donation efforts to support evacuees at this time. Members of the public who wish to assist are encouraged to provide monetary donations, which are the most effective means of support.

Donations can be made:

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. For more information, visit: 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

The Yellowknife Fieldhouse has an indoor play area for children.

The Yellowknife Public Library has books, DVDs and computers. For more information and hours, visit: https://www.yellowknife.ca/en/living-here/public-library.aspx.

The Yellowknife Aquatic Centre is free for evacuees, their admission is paid through a sponsorship from Rio Tinto Diavik Diamond Mine. For hours of operation, visit: https://www.yellowknife.ca/en/getting-active/pool-schedule.aspx

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