Sambaa K’e, N.W.T., on alert for possible evacuation as wildfires burn nearby
3 fires burning south of the community
Sambaa K’e, N.W.T., has issued an evacuation alert due to wildfires burning nearby.
An evacuation alert does not mean people have to leave the town at this time. However, they should get ready in case the alert is upgraded to an order.
Deanna Jumbo, the band office receptionist, confirmed to CBC that the alert has been issued.
Band leaders are meeting Friday to go over their evacuation plan.
The N.W.T. government’s wildfire map showed three fires burning south of Sambaa K’e as of Friday. Two were listed as smaller in size — 15 hectares and 0.5 hectares — while the one closest to the community was listed at 500 hectares.
All are listed as out-of-control.
The closest fire is about 30 kilometres southwest of the community. N.W.T. Fire said Thursday afternoon that fire crews were setting up sprinkler systems around cabins in the area.
About 100 people live in the Dehcho community near the Alberta border, east of Fort Liard.
With files from Lawrence Nayally
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: N.W.T. Indigenous governments get $15M to deal with 2023 wildfires’ impact, CBC News
Finland: Last week’s wildfires in Northern Lapland cost taxpayers more than €100k, Yle News
Norway: Smoke from Canadian wildfires forecast to reach Norway, The Associated Press
Russia: New NOAA report finds vast Siberian wildfires linked to Arctic warming, The Associated Press
Sweden: High risk of wildfires in many parts of Sweden, including North, Radio Sweden
United States: Wildfires in Anchorage? Climate change sparks disaster fears, The Associated Press
