The latest on wildfire and evacuations in Hay River, N.W.T., and KFN
An out-of-control wildfire burning by Hay River, N.W.T., and the Kátł'odeeche First Nation has prompted the evacuation of both communities. More than 3,500 people have been ordered to leave for Yellowknife, a five-hour drive away.
Here is the latest on the fire and the evacuation effort.
Visit The Weather Network's wildfire hub to keep up with the latest on the active start to wildfire season across Western Canada.
How to help
The City of Yellowknife says individuals who want to help should make cash donations because "material donations create logistical problems for emergency agencies."
Donations can be made to United Way N.W.T. (more information below).
The city says businesses looking to offer assistance should contact the chamber of commerce at executivedirector@ykchamber.com to co-ordinate.
Community groups that would like to host an activity for evacuees can visit the city's community calendar to submit information.
Damage in Kátł'odeeche
The extent of the damage in the community is still unclear. In an update posted at 10:30 a.m. Monday, N.W.T. Fire says about 15 buildings have been damaged in the First Nation.
Crews are installing sprinkler kits to try and protect structures in the area.
The update says strong eastward winds are expected to push the fire toward the communities during the day. Later this evening, the winds are expected to go west and north, pushing the fire away from the communities, but may still increase the fire's overall size.
Earlier Monday, Kátł'odeeche posted on Facebook saying all the archives and artifacts at the Yamózha Kúé Society (Dene Cultural Institute) had been saved from the building.
Mike Westwick, fire information officer with the territorial government, said the situation is "quite severe."
"This fire is obviously a huge priority for us and our teams are working absolutely tirelessly to do everything we can to keep these communities safe."
Westwick said there were six crews battling the fire and that six more were on the way from other regions of the territory. Three helicopters were also part of the firefighting efforts on Monday.
He said the territory had not yet requested firefighting help from other provinces or territories.
"Obviously we're facing a very challenging situation across a fair part of Western Canada, including in Alberta at this time, and we're doing our very best to meet our needs with local resources for that reason," he said.
Unsafe to return
The Town of Hay River says it is unsafe for residents to return to the community. The road into town is blocked and there are no health services available.
The town says so far no buildings have been affected by the fire.
Residents can call 1-833-699-0188 for general assistance and information.
Evacuee registration
People leaving Hay River and Kátł'odeeche First Nation have been told to go to Yellowknife.
The city's Multiplex is currently the gathering point for evacuees who do not have anywhere else to go.
Evacuees that wish to be kept informed of available services and supports can call 867-446-2023 or register in person at the Multiplex.
According to the city, the Multiplex is currently closed to the public.
(Getty Images)
Yellowknife hosts and donations
Tom McLennan, a Yellowknife city councillor, has put together a form for Yellowknife residents to sign up to host evacuees.
He's also said that staff at the city's Multiplex have asked residents to hold off from bringing donations.
Instead, people can bring in gift cards from grocery and department stores.
A Facebook group Help Hay River Fire Evacuees 2023 has also been created to coordinate volunteers looking to help with the response. Members can also request items for donations.
United Way accepting donations
United Way N.W.T. has started accepting donations for evacuees from Hay River and Kátł'odeeche First Nation.
The organization doesn't offer direct aid.
According to the Town of Hay River, funds being raised will go toward gift cards for evacuees and micro-grants to organizations offering aid.
Community organization seeking funds to help in their response can reach out at support@nwt.unitedway.ca or at 867-675-2643.
WATCH: It's wildfire season, pack your 'grab-and-go' box with these items
Thumbnail courtesy of Peter Sheldon/CBC.
The story was originally published for CBC News.
