Evacuation Order Issued for Fort Smith Over Wildfire Threats

The town of Fort Smith, N.W.T., issued an evacuation alert on Friday evening due to a wildfire burning in Wood Buffalo National Park.

According to the Fort Smith Protective Services “strong winds from the southeast are pushing Wood Buffalo National Park’s Fire 7 to the North. Given forecasted fire behavior and spread over the next several days, Fire 7 may spread north toward Fort Smith.”

Evacuation orders have now been issued for Fort Smith as the town says people should leave the area in a calm fashion. “Following a recommendation by Parks Canada due to forecasted fire behavior, the town of Fort Smith has issued an evacuation ORDER”, said a statement by the town.

“This ORDER has been issued for the safety of the public. Citizens are directed to remain calm and leave the area within the next 8 hours. Parks Canada and GNWT Highways will try and maintain Highway 5 access for as long as possible throughout the night.”

“For anyone without a vehicle please make your way immediately to the evacuation center located at the Fort Smith Recreation Center. Evacuees who do not have their own accommodations, please proceed to the Hay River Community Recreation Centre”, said the Town of Fort Smith.

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