Jean Marie River First Nation evacuating due to nearby wildfire
Crews are unable to fight the fire due to high winds and the access road to the community has been closed
The community Jean Marie River First Nation is evacuating to Fort Simpson, N.W.T. after a fire started close to the community, officials with N.W.T. Fire confirmed Sunday afternoon.
Information officer Jessica Davey-Quantick said that crews are currently unable to fight the flames due to high winds that make flying helicopters hazardous.
The Jean Marie River access road is closed as a result of the fire.
Davey-Quantick said residents should go to the community's airstrip to leave.
She said people should expect further closures and delays on Highway 1 as a result of the wildfire.
Jean Marie River First Nation is one of five N.W.T. communities to evacuate this weekend along with Fort Smith, Hay River, Enterprise and Kátł'odeeche Fırst Natıon.