Vehicles line-up for fuel at Fort Providence, N.W.T., on the only road south from Yellowknife, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. (Photo: Canadian Press)

By David Opinko

Alberta to welcome evacuees from Northwest Territories

Aug 18, 2023 | 4:46 AM

RED DEER, AB – The residents of the Northwest Territories who have been forced to flee their homes due to wildfires will be able to find refuge in Alberta.

The Government of Alberta said it is prepared to welcome wildfire evacuees from the territory.

Premier Danielle Smith adds that she is happy to lend a helping hand.

“Albertans understand all too well how challenging and stressful it is to be evacuated from their homes due to wildfires, which is why we’re stepping up to help,” said Smith. “I want to reassure evacuees coming to Alberta that we are doing everything we can to make sure they have the supports they need.”

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As of 4:30 a.m. on Friday, August 18, 2023, the Government of Northwest Territories said there are 236 active wildfires that have burned 2,126,254 hectares of land.

The capital city of Yellowknife, with a population of a little over 20,000 people, were ordered to evacuate on Wednesday, August 16.

Evacuees from Yellowknife are being welcomed in several communities across Alberta, including Calgary, Fox Creek, Lac La Biche, Red Deer, Valleyview, Whitecourt, Mackenzie County, and Edmonton.

The City of Red Deer told Pattison Media that it will accept up to 1,000 evacuees.

Alberta Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Mike Ellis said the province is ready and willing to help out its northern neighbour during this time of emergency.

“I want to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Alberta communities that have opened their doors and welcomed in evacuees. We will get through this together,” said Ellis.

More information for wildfire evacuees from the Northwest Territories who are looking to flee to Alberta, as well as how people can made donations, can be found on the Government of Alberta website.

READ MORE: Red Deer welcoming up to 1,000 evacuees from Northwest Territories

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