STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.
Northwest Territories fire smoke, photo courtesy K'atl'odeeche First Nation Facebook
Wildfires

Grande Prairie taking evacuees from NWT wildfires

Aug 14, 2023 | 9:48 AM

Many people residing in the Northwest Territories are under evacuation orders due to wildfires.

Those in Fort Smith, Hay River, Enterprise, K’atl’odeeche First Nation and surrounding areas are affected and highway closures are making efforts to leave safely, harder.

Evacuees are to come to Grande Prairie, unless they’ve already made plans to stay in High Level or Peace River.

Reception centres for evacuees have been established at:

  • Grande Prairie Alliance Church (15502 102 Street)
  • High Level Sports Complex (10101 105 Avenue)
  • Peace River -TBA

The Town of Hay River says on their website, 215 people were flown to Grande Prairie to evacuate on Sunday evening. The post says flights were scheduled throughout the night to Fort McMurray as well.

There has been reported property and structural loss in the Paradise Gardens south through Enterprise, and no reported loss of life or injuries within Hay River.

Data and voice telecommunications have been affected by the wildfires as well, the Town of Hay River says services remained down as of late Sunday night.