Hundreds of people are on the move in the Northwest Territories after the community of Fort Simpson was ordered to evacuate in the face of a growing wildfire. The blaze is burning just west of the village, and what began as a shelter-in-place order earlier in the evening escalated into a full evacuation as conditions worsened. Roughly 1,300 residents were told to leave, with most being directed toward Yellowknife.
Getting out was no simple task. Fort Simpson sits on the Mackenzie River, an hours-long drive from Yellowknife, and for many evacuees that meant a journey of around seven hours by road. Residents first had to cross on the only ferry serving the community, with some waiting about three hours to board while evacuation planes flew overhead. The operation stretched through the night as families packed up and joined the convoy out of town.
Those who fled described an anxious and emotional departure. One resident who left with his family of six spoke of thick smoke and darkening skies that made the situation increasingly stressful before they finally took off. Another evacuee, who left by air, said the mood among residents was one of anxiety and impatience, with many simply scared and hoping that everyone would stay safe and that the fire would eventually go out.
Wildfire officials remain worried that the fire could soon push closer to the village. They cautioned that there will be a period when the winds are expected to drive the flames directly toward the town, raising the stakes for the emptied community. The mayor of Fort Simpson said it was the right decision to call the evacuation when they did, noting that everybody managed to get out without panic.
The danger is not confined to Fort Simpson alone. Authorities say they are concerned about several other fires burning across the Dehcho region, and another community further down the Mackenzie has also been ordered to evacuate, with many of its residents told they would be flown to Fort Smith. Wildfires are also burning near two key highways, complicating the response.
Crews described the situation as difficult to manage, citing the rugged terrain and limited access that make it hard to get ahead of the flames. With smoke hanging over the area and normal landmarks obscured, officials are bracing for a challenging stretch as they try to keep the fire from reaching populated areas and the routes that connect them.
For now, evacuees in Yellowknife are left waiting and trying to keep their minds off the wildfire threatening their homes. One displaced resident said he was simply trying to stay busy until he was tired enough to sleep, echoing the uncertainty felt by the growing number of people forced from their communities while they wait for news about when, and whether, it will be safe to return.