The state of emergency has been extended in the Northwest Territories

The wildfire situation in the Northwest Territories is gradually improving. However, it is too early to say that the fire season is over. As a result, the Territories have decided to extend the state of emergency until September 11.

A state of emergency was initially declared on Aug. 15 as wildfires threatened several communities, including the capital of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife.

The decision to extend the state of emergency was taken to enable the Government to mobilize the resources needed to protect the health and safety of residents who still remain in the communities.

Recall that nearly 70% of the population of the Northwest Territories, including 20,000 Yellowknife residents, have been displaced from their homes and have been evacuated to Alberta and other cities where they will likely remain until they can return home.

Earlier this week, authorities said the fire near Yellowknife was being contained, but it was still dangerous to return to the city.

Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane joined Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, Alberta Forestry Minister Todd Loewen and federal ministers Randy Boissonnault and Dan Vandal on Wednesday to visit an evacuation center in Edmonton, Alberta.

Cochrane promised that the fire and municipal services will do everything possible to ensure that residents of the Northwest Territories can return home as soon as possible, reiterating that for now it is still unsafe in the Territories. Vandal promised that the Federal Government would continue to support the Northwest Territories in every way possible.