As of this writing, the human-caused wildfire that caused the evacuation of Fort Good Hope has reached 1,368 hectares; although no human or material loss has been recorded, the authorities do not know when the population will be able to return home.
IJL – Network. Press – L’Aquilon
“It is too early to say, because we have not yet limited the perimeter of the fire,” explains Fort Good Hope Chief Collin Pierrot. […] If the wind changes direction and blows towards the community, it could put them at risk. »
Collin Pierrot, Chief of Fort Good Hope (Screenshot)
“The fire is out of control, our approach for the next phase will be to contain it and then bring it under control,” said the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s fire information officer, Frank McKay. Once that has been done, we will confer with our colleagues, the Ministry of Municipal and Community Affairs (MAMC) and the chief, and make a decision. »
Evacuees must remain where they are until the evacuation order is lifted.
The wildfire was detected on June 15 and was caused by an abandoned campfire that had not been extinguished, according to the Northwest Territories Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Another fire (VQ002-24) broke out the following day, 14 km from Norman Wells, which had a fire ban in place.
According to Chief Pierrot, 225 citizens of Fort Good Hope were evacuated to Norman Wells, 12 to Deline and 110 to the fishing camp.
“We have leadership at camp who coordinates trips to and from showers and we send food, drinking water, etc. », specifies chef Pierrot.
118 people from Fort Good Hope remained in the community to help put out the fire.
“This is one-time financial assistance to reduce the costs associated with evacuations,” explains MAMC information officer Jay Boast. Citizens aged 18 and over can receive $800 and family members under 18 can receive $400. Many home insurance policies cover costs associated with evacuations, usually within 72 hours. […] Most homeowners or homeowners insurance policies include additional coverage for hotel, food and laundry expenses.
As of January 17, three teams of firefighters are on site in Fort Good Hope and near Norman Wells, in addition to two teams of technicians. Four helicopters, eight amphibious aircraft and air tankers are helping to douse the fire with water and retardant. Other teams from Fort Simpson, Dettah and Lutsel K’e and the Beaufort Delta are en route to assist in extinguishing the two fires.
“The weather is a little bit in our favor, it’s keeping the fire away from the community, so that’s good news,” says Frank McKay (Screenshot)
“As I speak,” explains Frank McKay, “we are mobilizing structural protection equipment that we are gathering in the community. […] The weather is a little in our favor, it’s keeping the fire away from the community, so that’s good news, but we’re going to have hot, dry weather, which will probably fuel the fire, which could continue to grow, but away from the community. »
