Hay River officials urge remaining residents to leave as wildfire risk rises
CBC
The Town of Hay River says it plans to shuttle residents who have remained in the town to Enterprise this afternoon, and then to Yellowknife, as the risk from the wildfire raging nearby becomes extreme.
The town posted an update Friday morning. It said winds of 50 to 60 kilometres are sending thick black smoke through the town. Fire crews are working to protect the west bank of the Hay River, while the town's fire department is working to protect downtown properties.
The town has asked all remaining residents to leave.
It said crews will start piloting cars through the smoke while it is safe. There is a "strong possibility" that Highway 5 will close today as the fire gets closer.
Buses are being set up for noon at 2 p.m. to get remaining residents out. People can call 1-833-699-0188 for more information.
The town and the MLA for Hay River North have both been urging residents to get out, after a challenging day of firefighting Thursday.
The wildfire is still out-of-control and breached two control lines meant to prevent its growth, said N.W.T. Fire on Thursday night. Friday is expected to be "even worse," N.W.T. Fire said.
At last count, the fire had burned through 1,977 hectares 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, though some have remained in their homes despite an evacuation order.
"Make no mistake — there is rising risk to the Town of Hay River as this situation unfolds," N.W.T. Fire wrote.
The Town of Hay River also issued an update late Thursday, where it urged remaining residents to flee "for their own safety."
In an interview, Hay River North MLA R.J. Simpson said officials did not know how many people were still in the community.
At the bare minimum, he said, residents should register with the evacuation centre and let people know where they are.
However, he echoed the town's call for residents to leave.
"At some point, you know, we could be talking about life and death," he said.
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