Kátł'odeeche chief describes 'fire tornado' and 'helicopters everywhere'

Fire crews in the N.W.T. were busy on Monday working to protect buildings at the Kátł'odeeche First Nation from an out-of-control wildfire nearby.  

The fire has damaged approximately 15 buildings at the First Nation. No damage has been reported in nearby Hay River.

The fire 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.

Damage in Kátł'odeeche

In an update posted at 4 p.m. Monday, N.W.T. Fire said fire crews had been pulled off the fire because of dangerous conditions and low visibility.

Structure protection was continuing, however, with crews installing sprinkler kits.

The update says strong eastward winds were expected to shift to west and northwest on Monday evening, pushing the fire away from the communities but potentially causing it to grow. Some potential showers over the following 24 hours could provide some short-term relief, but the dangerously dry conditions are expected to return soon after.

April Martel, chief of the Kátł'odeeche First Nation, said Monday afternoon that the fire had aggressively moved into the community, "burning all the buildings," though she hasn't been able to fully survey the damage. She said the shifting winds were making things volatile.

"Earlier today there was actually a fire tornado. So, a fire swirling in a tornado. So that means we don't know where the wind is switching, so it's really scary and it's critical," she said.

"There's helicopters everywhere and there's water bombers. They're dropping a lot of water on some of the houses and some of the buildings to try to save them."

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. Martel said they had to break into the building on Sunday evening to collect everything — paintings, crafts, snowshoes, and lots of old recordings of elders. 

"All the artifacts, all the tapes, every single thing. Like, we just threw it in boxes and bags, took as much as we could," Martel said.

The chief said that the goal now is to ensure that everybody in the community has somewhere safe to go. 

"It's really devastating. But I'm trying to make sure everyone's safe and out," she said.

'Severe' situation

Mike Westwick, fire information officer with the territorial government, said Monday morning the situation was "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."

Six crews were battling the fire on Monday, with six more being sent from other regions of the territory. Four helicopters and three tanker groups 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. 

Reporting from the junction at Highway 2 late Monday afternoon, the CBC's Carla Ulrich said she could see the plume of smoke billowing from Hay River, about five kilometres away. 

She witnessed evacuees getting out on their own, with vehicles full of families, belongings and pets — and some pulling trailers. 

She also saw one bus get waved through, on its way to pick up evacuees. 

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. 

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.