NWT Emergency Response Update - September 02, 2025 5:00pm

NWT Emergency Response Update - September 2, 2025 17:00

Jean Marie River - Evacuation Alert - Update

Tthets'éhk'édélı̨ First Nation is advising residents of Jean Marie River to be prepared in case they have to evacuate due to wildfire activity in the area. Updates can be found on the community Facebook Page. Local residents are instructed to check with the Band Office if you have questions.

Fort Providence - Evacuation Order

The community of Fort Providence issued an evacuation order on August 31, 2025 at 9:00 am. This evacuation order remains in place.

The community of Fort Providence has issued an evacuation order. All residents are required to evacuate the area immediately due to a wildfire in the area. Evacuees must register at the Hay River Community Centre or online here: Evacuee Registration Form. Updates from the Hamlet of Fort Providence will be put on Facebook on the Fort Providence Announcements & Events page.

Additional information may be found at https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/public-safety.

A second evacuation order was issued to remaining residence and emergency/essential personal on September 1, 2025 at 00:15. This evacuation order remains in place.

Fort Providence residents and emergency/essential personnel must evacuate now. The area has an immediate threat due to a wildfire and is not safe. Everyone must leave now. Head to the reception centre in Hay River for further instruction.

Whatì - Evacuation Order

The Community of Whatì issued an evacuation order on August 29, 2025 at 10:00 am. This evacuation order remains in place.

While an evacuation order is in place, it is NOT safe for evacuated Whatì residents to return to Whatì. Whatì should only return to the community once it is safe to do so and the evacuation order is rescinded.

All Whatì residents are required to evacuate the area immediately due to a wildfire in the area. Reception centres are set up in Behchokǫ̀ and Yellowknife. Evacuees will receive more information when you register. For updates go to the GNWT Public Safety webpage: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/public-safety/latest-updates.

Services and Supports for Evacuees

Information on services available to evacuees can be found here: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/public-safety/services-and-supports-evacuees.

Wildfire Status

Follow NWT Fire for updates on wildfire:

• NWT Fire Wildfire Update

• NWT Fire Facebook page

Highways and Airports

Highway conditions can change quickly with no warning. Check DriveNWT.ca before you travel.

Evacuee Registration

If you are safe, it is recommended that evacuees remain in the communities they evacuated to and continue to receive services at the reception centre they are currently at.

The evacuation centres in both Behchokǫ̀ and Yellowknife are experiencing high demand and are currently operating near full capacity. Given these constraints, services will be allocated based on the order of registration, making early registration essential for securing placement and accessing needed resources.

Fort Providence

Evacuees from Fort Providence must register at the Hay River Community Centre or online here: Evacuee Registration Form.

Whatì

Evacuees from Whatì travelling to Behchokǫ̀ must register at the Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre.

Evacuees from Whatì travelling to Yellowknife must register at the Yellowknife Fieldhouse.

Updates on the Yellowknife evacuation center hours and how to assist evacuees will be available at the News Room on the City's website: https://www.yellowknife.ca/modules/news/en and the City of Yellowknife Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/OurYellowknife.

If you need to report a missing person, contact the RCMP at 9-1-1 or 867-669-1111.

Do not remain in evacuated communities

Residents who choose not to follow an evacuation order should understand they stay at their own risk.

Responders may not be able to come to your rescue if they don't know that you need help, or if it is unsafe for them to attempt to do so. Please follow the directions of emergency personnel and officials for the safety of yourself and others.

Services for all Evacuees

These services are available to evacuated residents from Whatì and Fort Providence.

Accommodations for Evacuees

Evacuees who require accommodation assistance should report to the dedicated evacuation reception centres. For Whatì residents these are the Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre or the Yellowknife Fieldhouse Reception Centre. For Fort Providence residents this is the Hay River Community Centre.

All personal accommodations outside of the evacuation centres are at the expense and responsibility of the individual and are not eligible for reimbursement. Please be aware that the demands on hotel spaces in Yellowknife is high and it is likely that rooms will not be available.

Mental Health Supports

Being evacuated from your home community is stressful. Checking in with a mental health and counselling resource can help provide strategies, advice, and resources to deal with this difficult situation.

Many remote supports are available:

• 811 - Call 24/7 for Mental Health and Wellness Counseling from a registered nurse
• Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868, Or text CONNECT to 686868 
• Canada Suicide Prevention Service 1-833-456-4566 

• First Nation and Inuit Hope For Wellness (Indigenous Support line)

  • Call 1-855-242-3310

  • Online chat

  • Online supports

  • Climate and Eco Anxiety Information and Supports

Emergency Evacuation Relief Program

Residents of Whatì and Fort Providence can apply to the Emergency Evacuation

Relief Program (EERP) for a one-time payment to help with the costs associated with their evacuation, such as accommodation needs and everyday expenses such as groceries, gas, and other essentials. Residents receiving income assistance are eligible for the (EERP).

For more information, visit: https://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/en/services/emergency-evacuation-relief-program.

Evacuees do not have to go to the evacuation centre to apply for the EERP. Evacuated residents are encouraged to apply online here: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/form/evacuee-funding.

Assistance for Whatì evacuees will alternate between the Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre and the Yellowknife Fieldhouse Reception Centre.

Assistance for Fort Providence evacuees is at the Hay River Community Centre.

Driver and Vehicle Services:

To find the driver and vehicle office nearest to you, visit https://www.idmv.inf.gov.nt.ca/Help/Driver-and-Vehicle-Offices

Health Services

• If you cannot reach your local clinic or hospital by phone, go in person for urgent needs.

• Registered nurses are available 24/7 through 811 or 1-844-259-1793 for health advice.

• In an emergency, call 911.

Wildfire Smoke

The latest information on wildfire in the North Slave and South Slave regions can be found here: https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/newsroom/wildfire-and-smoke-exposure-north-slave-and-south-slave-regions.

For information on wildfire smoke, please visit: Smoke Forecast.

NWT Alert

Follow the latest emergency alerts here: https://nwtalert.ca/#/

• Download the Alertable emergency app

  • For Apple

  • For Android

Services for Fort Providence Evacuees

Residents evacuating from Fort Providence are directed to go to the Hay River Community Centre. Basic accommodation, food, recreation, programming, and fire information services will be provided. Evacuees can contact the Hay River Community Centre's Reception Centre at 867-874-6522.

The Hay River Community Centre is closed from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am. All evacuees staying at the Hay River Community Centre must be in the building before it closes. Security services are provided overnight.

Food for evacuees

Catered food is provided at the Hay River Community Centre at 8:00 am, 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Snack, sandwiches and drinks are also provided.

Donations

The Hay River Community Centre is not requesting donations or more volunteers at this time. If you are a resident of Hay River and would like to register as a volunteer or offer a service, call: 867-974-6522 between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm.

Health Care

If you do not have your health care card or NIHB details with you, you will still be able to access care. Staff at the local health centre can confirm your information and help you get the services or medications you need.

• There are medical staff at the Hay River Community Centre to provide triage, basic first aid and triage services.

• For urgent health care, go to the Hay River Regional Health Centre or call: 867-874-8000

• In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

• For general health advice, call 8-1-1 to speak with a Registered Nurse.

The NTHSSA has mental health supports available to residents displaced from their homes due to wildfires. At the evacuation centre, counsellors are on site and offering services daily between 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Visit in-person at the evacuation centre in Hay River. Or by phone at 867-875-8303.

Child and Family Services

There is staff from Child and Family Services at the Hay River Community Centre for evacuated Fort Providence residents to access.

• Hay River CFS Office: 867-874-8430

• On-call CFS (after hours): 867-876-7012

During this time of increased stress for families, children and youth have the potential of being at greater risk of harm. Anyone who suspects child maltreatment and neglect has a responsibility to report these concerns to their local Child and Family Services office.

Transportation

For Fort Providence residents still in the Fort Providence Community Hall and who need transportation assistance to evacuate, transportation to the Hay River Community Centre is being arranged at the Fort Providence Community Hall.

A shuttle service is offered between the Hay River Community Centre and the Hay River Métis Government office and the Kátł'odeeche First Nation Reserve.

Dogs

A temporary kennel service has been set up for evacuated Fort Providence residents' dogs.

Recreation

Evacuated Fort Providence residents can access recreation programming, such as the aquatic centre.

Health and Social Services Closures

The Fort Providence Community Health and Social Services Centre will be closed until further notice. Two paramedics are providing services out of the health centre for emergency workers.

Emergency services personal in Fort Providence can reach the paramedic team by radio in the event of a communication outage. More information here: https://www.nthssa.ca/en/newsroom/hamlet-fort-providence-health-and-social-services-centre-closed

Justice Programs and Closures

Fort Providence Victim Services is available in person in Hay River or remotely. Responses may be delayed as staff are assisting with the evacuation. Contact Fort Providence Victim Services here: 867-876-2020 or [email protected].

Fort Providence Probations is closed and has implemented telephone reporting for offenders currently on Probation in the community. Contact Fort Providence Probations here: 867-874-6472 or 1-877-804-6272 (toll-free).

Services Available for Evacuees at the Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre

Food for Evacuees

Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre serves breakfast between 8:00 am - 10:00 am, lunch between 11:45 am- 1:45 pm, and dinner between 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Snacks are available at the sportsplex throughout the day.

No other means / food will be provided outside of what is available at the Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre. Evacuees must register at the Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre and get a wrist band to access meals.

Income Assistance

If you have questions or would like to apply for Income Assistance, please contact the Behchokǫ ECE Service Centre at:

• 1-867-392-6201

Health Care

If you do not have your health care card or NIHB details with you, you will still be able to access care. Staff at the local health centre can confirm your information and help you get the services or medications you need.

• For urgent health care, go to the Behchokǫ̀ Health Centre. Phone: 867-392-6075. If phones are not working, go in person.

• Bring your health card and medications if possible. If you are an NIHB client and have lost your medications or supplies, staff will help you renew them.

• If you require a refill to your prescriptions visit the Behchokǫ̀ Health Centre. Staff will help you renew your prescriptions and ensure you can access what you need, even if you do not have your prescription papers with you. However, there may be a delay in processing.

• If the health centre is closed, information about where to go will be posted at the building and shared locally.

Child and Family Services

Both prevention and protection services are available through Child and Family Services. Prevention services are voluntary and may include supplementary support (financial and non-financial), service navigation, and connections to other supports/services.

• If you cannot reach the on-call emergency number, go to the Behchokǫ̀ Health Centre or your local RCMP detachment for assistance.

• Behchokǫ̀ CFS Office: 867-392-3005

• On-call CFS (after hours): 867-686-2500

During this time of increased stress for families, children and youth have the potential of being at greater risk of harm. Anyone who suspects child maltreatment and neglect has a responsibility to report these concerns to their local Child and Family Services office.

Services Available for Evacuees at the Yellowknife Fieldhouse

Reception Centre and Multiplex

The Fieldhouse doors lock at 11:00 PM sharp-no late arrivals will be admitted. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted inside the building.

Smoking is not permitted in or on any City of Yellowknife recreational property. There is a designated smoking area between the Yellowknife Fieldhouse Reception Centre and Yellowknife Multiplex marked by yellow bollards.

Food for Evacuee

The Salvation Army will provide food to evacuated Whatì and Fort Providence residents at the Yellowknife Multiplex. Breakfast will be served between 8:00 am - 9:00 am, lunch is between 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm, and dinner is between 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm.

No other means / food will be provided outside of what is available at the Yellowknife Fieldhouse Reception Centre and Multiplex. Evacuees must register at the Tłı̨chǫ reception desk and get a wristband to access meals.

Donations

The City of Yellowknife is accepting monetary donations to support evacuees through the Salvation Army.

Transit

Whatì residents evacuated to Yellowknife can request a three-day visitor parking pass for free downtown parking at the Municipal Enforcement Division (MED) Office on the lower level of Yellowknife City Hall (4807 - 52 Street). The MED Office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, except on statutory holidays. Parking meters in Yellowknife are in effect Monday to Friday, except on statutory holidays.

YK Transit is free to evacuated residents who have registered at the Yellowknife Fieldhouse Reception Centre and have a wristband. YK Transit operates Monday to Saturday. For more information, visit: https://www.yellowknife.ca/en/living-here/transit.aspx?_mid_=34333.

The RV dump-and-fill station is located on Kam Lake Road across from Coronation Drive, and is available for RV pump out.

Income Assistance

If you have questions or would like to apply for Income Assistance, please contact the North Slave ECE Service Centre at:

• 1-866-768-8145

Health Care

If you do not have your health care card or NIHB details with you, you will still be able to access care. Staff at the local health centre can confirm your information and help you get the services or medications you need.

• For urgent health care, go to Stanton Territorial Hospital or the nearest Yellowknife health centre.

• During an evacuation, it is important to bring your medication. If you require a refill to your prescriptions, visit the local pharmacy. Pharmacists can renew medications even if you do not have your prescription papers, but there may be a delay in processing. NIHB clients will continue to have coverage.

Child and Family Services

Both prevention and protection services are available through Child and Family Services. Prevention services are voluntary and may include supplementary support (financial and non-financial), service navigation, and connections to other supports/services.

• Yellowknife CFS Office: 867-767-9122

• On-call CFS (after hours): 867-445-1092

During this time of increased stress for families, children and youth have the potential of being at greater risk of harm. Anyone who suspects child maltreatment and neglect has a responsibility to report these concerns to their local Child and Family Services office.

Dogs

There are four designated off-leash dog areas and one enclosed dog park in Yellowknife. Pets are not permitted in the Yellowknife Cemetery or parks. For more information on off-leash dog areas, visit: https://www.yellowknife.ca/en/getting-active/off-leash-dog-areas.aspx.

Recreation

The Yellowknife Fieldhouse has an indoor play area for children. For hours of operation, visit: https://http://www.yellowknife.ca/fieldhouse.

The Yellowknife Public Library has books, DVDs and computers. For more information and hours, visit: https://www.yellowknife.ca/en/living-here/public-library.aspx.

The Yellowknife Aquatic Centre is free for evacuees, their admission is paid through a sponsorship from Rio Tinto Diavik Diamond Mine. For hours of operation, visit: https://www.yellowknife.ca/en/getting-active/pool-schedule.aspx