Global Courant 2023-05-19 19:47:31
The MLA for Hay River North and the City of Hay River are both urging residents still in the city to leave after a challenging day of firefighting.
The out-of-control wildfire raging nearby broke two lines of control designed to prevent its growth, NWT Fire said on Thursday evening. Friday is expected to be “even worse,” NWT Fire said.
At last count, the fire had burned 1,977 acres of land in the immediate vicinity of Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation. Most of the combined 3,500 residents have left both communities, although some have remained in their homes despite an evacuation order.
“Make no mistake – there is increasing risk to the City of Hay River as this situation unfolds,” NWT Fire wrote.
The City of Hay River also released an update late Thursday, where it urged remaining residents to flee “for their own safety”.
In an interview, Hay River North MLA RJ Simpson said officials did not know how many people were left in the community.
He said residents should at least register with the evacuation center and let people know where they are.
However, he reiterated the city’s appeal for residents to leave.
“At some point, you know, we could talk about life and death,” he said.
“The health center is not operational, so there is not a full hospital to help people. When there are injuries, there are not enough first responders to go in and get people out of their homes. You know, everyone is busy, everyone is exhausted who has been work there.”
‘Surging fire’ jumped over dozer lines
NWT Fire said “surging fire” jumped over two dozer lines late in the afternoon — one on the northwest flank near Kátł’odeeche First Nation’s Old Village, and one on the southwest flank near Hay River — and smoke rolled over the area.
It said heavy winds are expected to move from north to northeast on Friday afternoon, pushing the fire toward Highway 5 and increasing the risk to Hay River.
“We believe there is a very good chance the fire will reach Highway 5 tomorrow,” it wrote Thursday night.
As of Thursday evening, no more damage had been reported in either community than the 15 buildings that burned on Kátł’odeeche First Nation earlier this week.
“Our priority is building protection,” said Mike Westwick, a firefighter’s educator with NWT Fire.
Westwick said they have requested additional heavy equipment, sprinkler kits and personnel from various locations within the NWT
“Everyone is just very focused on work,” said Westwick. “It’s dangerous work. However, everyone on the field really cares for each other and makes sure safety is the number one priority for everyone.”
Simpson said there was a controlled burn across the river from downtown Hay River – which he described as a sign of how bad things have gotten given how close it would be to the city.
“One of the things we’re good at in the area is fighting wildfires,” Simpson said.
“I have complete confidence in the crews working on it, but sometimes you can’t stop mother nature.”
