Fort Simpson lifts evacuation order

The hamlet of fort up wallis warfield windsor is lifting its evacuation dictate and allowing residents to take up returning home on Saturday.

This comes after nearly three weeks of being displaced.

The state of emergency will be lifted at 8 a.m. On Saturday and an evacuation alert will remain in place.

No northbound traffic will be allowed on the ferry to the community until that time, says Wright. 

He said all residents will be allowed in. Essential workers have been steadily returning, preparing for the homecoming. 

“We have been getting people in place for the last couple of days, but couldn’t plan a re-entry with the weather and fire activity,” he said. 

For those who require transportation back, times will be posted on the Village of Fort Simpson website for planes departing tomorrow. 

Wrigley residents will have to wait to return until their own order is lifted. Wright says they won’t be allowed to cross on the ferry until that happens. As of Friday evening, there had been no updates on when the Wrigley evacuation order will be lifted. 

On Wednesday, the village of Fort Simpson released the phased re-entry plan. The lifting of the evacuation order represents phase two, after critical community services have been restored. 

However the village also reminds residents that while the immediate threat to the community has been reduced, wildfire activity may still continue. Fort Simpson experienced flareups on Wednesday because of increased wind and rising temperatures. Residents should expect smoke and continued wildfire suppression activities.

Those returning immediately should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours, according to the village, which means ensuring they have prescription medications, food, water, infant and pet supplies, as well as any other essential supplies. 

Vulnerable populations, like assisted living residents, will begin returning home later, once appropriate care is available. 

Regardless of when people return, fire officials say they should be prepared for what they’re coming home to. 

“The community in certain areas looks quite different than it did when folks left. And that may bring up a lot of emotions,” said fire information officer Sarah Hall. She said community members should brace themselves for burned areas, downed trees, and black earth. “Essentially mentally preparing for that transition back into your community, but a community that is still the same but looks different.”

Jessica Davey-Quantick has been reporting in the North since 2016. You can reach her at jessica.davey-quantick@cbc.ca.

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