Local state of emergency declared for Yellowknife
CBC
The city of Yellowknife has declared a local state of emergency due to a wildfire burning between Behchokǫ and Yellowknife.
City council made the declaration at a special 6 p.m. council meeting Monday. There has not been an evacuation alert or order made for Yellowknife.
Mayor Rebecca Alty said the declaration allows city to require contractors, who might have other contractual obligations, to fight the fire.
"The situation is serious and we've been taking it very seriously," said Alty.
"It's about mobilizing all resources to reduce the risk of forest fires."
Alty also urged Yellowknifers to "stay calm, do not panic."
The emergency declaration is in place for seven days unless city council revokes it sooner.
On Sunday, the wildfire burning between the city and Behchokǫ̀ had breached control lines set up around the Yellowknife. On Monday, the agency said those breaches had grown more "significant."
At about 4 p.m. on Monday, N.W.T. Fire issued a further update, stating residents between kilometres 284 and 320 of Highway 3 should evacuate their property.
As of 5 p.m. Highway 3 between Yellowknife and Behchokǫ̀ was closed.
"Proceed to Yellowknife as soon as you can. Drive safely — visibility is extremely bad. Follow any directions and signage on the ground. Highway staff will let those leave who are still in the area," read the update.
City officials said staff continue to set up fuel breaks and sprinkler systems, including behind properties in the Kam Lake and Grace Lake neighbourhoods.
Contractors are also helping the city build 100-metre fire breaks around the Engle Business District, from Deh Cho Boulevard to the sand pits, and on Sewage Lagoon Road to Fiddler Lake.
Portions of Deh Cho Boulevard were closed Monday for FireSmarting work.
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