A wildfire has been posing a threat to the community of Fort Good Hope in the Northwest Territories. Fortunately, as of Sunday morning, Chief Collin Pierrot has reported that no structures in the community have been damaged by the fire overnight. Although the fire continues to loom close to homes, efforts have been made to hold it off.
Approximately 300 people, out of a population of just over 500, have evacuated the area. Some individuals have sought refuge in Norman Wells, while others have chosen to evacuate by boat to a fish camp. Despite the proximity of the fire to the community, Chief Pierrot mentioned that the airport remains open for now.
Residents like Rose McNeely and her extended family have taken precautions to ensure their safety, leaving the community by boat. McNeely expressed concerns for her house but emphasized feeling secure at the fish camp with other evacuees. She noted that the fire’s encroachment on the community was a rare and frightening experience.
Chief Pierrot has voiced the need for additional firefighting crews to be dispatched to Fort Good Hope to assist in containment efforts. The evacuation process has been hindered by the limited capacity of planes serving the community, necessitating the use of larger aircraft to transport more individuals to safety.
N.W.T. Fire officials have indicated a high risk of structure loss in Fort Good Hope overnight. The fire has escalated significantly in size, growing from five hectares to an estimated 200 hectares. With winds shifting towards the northeast, there is a heightened concern that the fire may advance closer to the community.
Firefighters are concentrating on preventing the fire from crossing the road and are working diligently to fortify structure protection measures in Fort Good Hope. Despite the challenging circumstances, efforts are being made to safeguard the community from the advancing wildfire.
In light of the evolving situation, it is imperative that resources and support are mobilized to mitigate the impact of the fire on Fort Good Hope. The safety and well-being of residents remain a top priority as they navigate this unprecedented threat to their community.