Fort Simpson, N.W.T. lifts evacuation order, relieved residents begin returning Saturday

The hamlet of fort up mrs. Simpson 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 lifts early Saturday, but an evacuation alert will remain in place.

"Oh yeah, we're definitely excited," he said. "We were waiting for the weather to change. We have less fire activity, a little bit of smoke, but this isn't necessarily from this fire from across the river."

No northbound traffic will be allowed on the ferry to the community until 8 AM local time, says Wright. 

"I just want them to drive safe, you know, be courteous and arrive safely," said Wright. "There's no rush."

He said the ferry would be operating at regular hours, adding that he expects "it won't be quite as crowded on the ferry as it was when we were leaving!"

When Jeff Hardisty heard that the evacuation alert was lifted, he said he “jumped 10 feet in the air.”

Hardisty said he will be driving back after breakfast Saturday. 

He's excited about sleeping in his own bed, and cooking his own meals.

Josh Campbell said the first thing he will do when they get back to Fort Simpson is take his daughter for a walk.

Cambell says his six-month-old daughter, Lilly Idzea Christiana Campbell, generated a lot of smiles among evacuees staying at Yellowknife's Multiplex arena since late June.

“Lily got a lot of nicknames during our time here in your life as evacuees,” he said, "Some of the folks … were calling her Lilly Pilly. ” 

Campbell said he is anticipating a bit of shock when he gets home and sees what burned and what hasn’t.

But tonight, he says people are just glad to be going home.

“[I] saw a lot of relief in the elders' faces at supper tonight too knowing that there's an end," he said. “It'll be really good to get back home.”

For those who require transportation, registration will take place in person at the Yellowknife Multiplex, or for those staying at the Quality Inn in the lobby, from 8 a.m. Until 12:30 p.m. On Saturday.

The village says this is the only transportation opportunity it will provide. A shuttle service will run from the Multiplex to the airport, with the final bus departing at 12:45 p.m. Those taking the flights are allowed one checked bag and one personal item only, and only designated service animals will be permitted.

The village is asking residents to pick up any dogs that were left behind in the community from the high school field as soon as possible.

Wrigley residents will have to wait to return until their own order is lifted.

As of Friday evening, there had been no updates on when the Wrigley evacuation order will be lifted. But Pehdzéh Kı̨ First Nation Chief Jamie Moses did confirm that he would be meeting with the territorial government on Saturday morning to discuss Wrigley's plans.

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.”

For Wright, he's just happy to have everyone come home.

"I'm glad that we came through [as] good as we did," he said, giving credit to the fire crews as well as fire chief Tyler Pilling. "Tyler, our commander in chief here, he did great. He really shined in the position," said Wright. "And the structural protection crews. They saved the town. So my hats off to them."

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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