Wildfires in Yellowknife, Canada forced 20,000 residents to evacuate

An aerial evacuation will begin on Thursday to divert residents of Canada’s Northwest Territories city from the path of the fire that has hit the city of 20,000.The North West District government said on Thursday that residents in the four highest-risk areas of Yellowknife should leave the area as soon as possible, while residents in other areas must leave by lunchtime on Friday.

Authorities added that only those who have no other option by road should visit the terminal. We encourage individuals who are immunocompromised or at risk to enroll.

Minister Shane Thompson said | Wildfires in Yellowknife

Federal Minister Shane Thompson said at a press conference: “I want to make sure the city is not in immediate danger and that the people at the window are leaving the city safely by road and air.”

Canadian authorities ordered the evacuation of Yellowknife and several small communities on Wednesday as a wildfire threatened the nearby High River town. The state government also declared a state of emergency this weekend due to the fire, Reuters reported. The fire burns about 10 miles outside the city.

The evacuation | Wildfires in Yellowknife

The evacuation order, announced Wednesday night, applies to the city of Yellowknife and the neighboring communities of Endilo and Deta. Thompson said, “If it doesn’t rain, the weekend may reach the outskirts of town.”Those leaving Yellowknife on the highway will be diverted to the fire area if smoke obstructs their view.

More than 200 wildfires burned in many parts of the Northwest Territories. On Wednesday, 1,067 fires broke out across Canada. Regional fire intelligence officer Mike Westwick said earlier today that about 6,800 people, or eight communities in which 15 percent of the Northwest Territories population lives, have been evacuated.

Many highways were closed, and the area was followed by what officials said was the worst plane crash in history. Canadian Forces personnel assisted firefighters and used Hercules aircraft to transport the evacuees. Canada has had a record number of wildfires this year. More than 8,108 square miles burned.

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