Canada's Yellowknife faces evacuation as wildfires pose 'real threat'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
17 Aug 2023 12:55

Just this summer, Northwest Territories continues to see over 2 million hectares burned and counting, with 236 wildfires currently raging across the territory.

The town of Fort Smith, Canada, sits under the wildfires in the Northwest Territories on August 13, 2023. (Handout/AFP)

A local minister in Yellowknife, Canada, says the nearing wildfires in the northwest are "a real threat to the city" as an evacuation order remains in place.

Shane Thompson, the environment and climate change minister for the Northwest Territories, stated that the fires could reach the outskirts of the city by the weekend. Hay River, a community of 3,000, was being evacuated by bus or plane on Wednesday.

Yellowknife’s mayor, Rebecca Alty, said flights are due to begin on Thursday at 1:00 pm and will continue until evacuation is complete. “It’s being called now, so that we can allow people the opportunity to drive while the highway is still open. The highway is subject to closures at any time. Conditions will be smoky, and residents should drive with caution and care."

“This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone. Please look out and help one another as you can. If you’re driving, and have space, please consider bringing a friend or pets", she added.

Thompson continued: “We find ourselves in a crisis situation and our government is using every tool available to assist".

Massive wildfires in Canada have already emitted twice as much smoke as the previous record for the entire year, according to the EU's climate monitor earlier this month, and the fires are predicted to continue to burn across forests for weeks or perhaps months.

Approximately 30 million acres (12 million hectares) of land have been destroyed by the destructive wildfires so far this year, an area greater than Cuba or South Korea.

Melting cars

A witness told CBC that her family's car began melting as they were evacuating on Sunday. “It was honestly insane. When I got out of our vehicle in Enterprise, I just cried".

Another witness told a CBC radio reporter that he was transferred to an evacuation center over 600 miles from home in northern Alberta. “They’re dispersing us all over the place,” he added, as many people were being airlifted for safety.

Just this summer, Northwest Territories has seen over 2 million hectares burned, with 236 wildfires currently raging across the territory.

In the Pacific province of British Columbia, almost 80 people were sheltered in a mountain guesthouse after the only way out was blocked by a rapidly expanding fire. They were comprised of lodge guests and campers and were brought down later in vehicles on Wednesday.