Yellowknife is preparing for the return of residents
The essential workers are already returning to the city to pave the way for the others to return.
The Northwest Territories have faced unprecedented wildfires this year, and almost all residents of the capital city have had to be evacuated. The general evacuation order issued on August 16 is in effect until September 6, and locals who have been sent to neighboring cities and provinces are hoping that the planned cancellation of the general evacuation will take place so they can return home.
Whether the evacuation order is lifted depends on road conditions and fire conditions, but a spokesman for the Northwest Territories Wildfire Service said Highway 1 is not expected to have any problems in the next few days.
According to Yellowknife City Manager Sheila Bassi-Kellett, essential workers from grocery stores, pharmacies, utility companies, some taxi drivers, and kindergarten teachers, as well as airport employees, are already returning to the city to prepare the ground for the return of other residents. People who are not essential workers, on the other hand, have been reminded once again that it's too early to return. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they have not encountered any attempts by evacuees who are not yet allowed to return to the city.
According to an emergency management spokesman, more than 2,000 people pre-registered Saturday for flights that will leave for Yellowknife on Thursday. This was done in advance so the Territories would understand how many flights they would need. There are not many flights, so local officials are advising those who want to be among the first to return to the city to register for flights as soon as possible.
Those who will arrive in Yellowknife in the near future are advised to be prepared to provide for themselves for the next 72 hours. Local officials have also promised to prepare everything necessary to organize the removal of garbage from the homes of returning residents. At the very least, they will have to deal with the foodstuffs that have been left in the refrigerator for 3 weeks.
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