NWT Emergency Response Update – September 9, 2025 – 16:30
Press Release
September 9, 2025
Current Evacuation Notification Status:
Jean Marie River – Evacuation Alert
Tthets’éhk’édélı̨ First Nation issued an evacuation alert on September 2, 2025 advising residents of Jean Marie River to be prepared in case they have to evacuate due to wildfire activity in the area. This evacuation alert remains in place. Updates can be found on the community Facebook Page. Local residents are instructed to check with the Band Office if they have questions.
Fort Providence – Evacuation Order
The Community of Fort Providence issued an evacuation order on August 31, 2025. This evacuation order remains in place. The Community of Fort Providence has also extended the state of local emergency. This needs to be renewed on a weekly basis once it is put in place and can be removed at any time by council.
The Community of Fort Providence has enacted Stage 1 of their re-entry plan. This corresponds with the demobilization of Structural Protection which has begun today (Sept. 9 2025). Stage 2 has not begun, the community is still under an evacuation order and it is still not safe for residents to return to the community at this time.
Updates from the Hamlet of Fort Providence will be put on the Fort Providence Announcements & Events Facebook page.
Services and Supports for Evacuees
Information on services available to evacuees can be found here: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/public-safety/services-and-supports-evacuees.
Wildfire Status
Follow NWT Fire for updates on wildfire:
Highways and Airports
Highway conditions can change quickly with no warning. Check DriveNWT.ca before you travel.
Do Not Remain In or Return to Communities Under an Evacuation Order
Whati has been given the All-Clear but Fort Providence remains under an evacuation order. Residents who choose not to follow an evacuation order should understand they are doing so at their own risk.
Responders may not be able to come to your rescue if they don’t know that you need help, or if it is unsafe for them to attempt to do so. Please follow the directions of emergency personnel and officials for the safety of yourself and others.
Services for Fort Providence Evacuees
The Hay River Community Centre is providing basic accommodation, food, recreation, programming, and fire information services will be provided. Evacuees can contact the Hay River Community Centre’s Reception Centre at 867-874-6522.
The Hay River Community Centre is closed from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am. All evacuees staying at the Hay River Community Centre must be in the building before it closes. Security services are provided overnight.
All personal accommodations outside of the evacuation centres are at the expense and responsibility of the individual and are not eligible for reimbursement.
If anyone needs to report a missing person, contact the RCMP at 9-1-1 or 867-669-1111.
Food for evacuees in Hay River
Catered food is provided at the Hay River Community Centre at 8:00 am, 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Snack, sandwiches and drinks are also provided.
Donations
The Hay River Community Centre is not requesting donations or more volunteers at this time. If you are a resident of Hay River and would like to register as a volunteer or offer a service, call: 867-974-6522 between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm
Health Care
If you do not have your health care card or NIHB details with you, you will still be able to access care. Staff at the local health centre can confirm your information and help you get the services or medications you need.
- There are medical staff at the Hay River Community Centre to provide basic first aid and triage services.
- For urgent health care, go to the Hay River Regional Health Centre or call: 867-874-8000
- In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
- For general health advice, call 8-1-1 or 1-844-259-1793 to speak with a Registered Nurse.
Being evacuated from your home community is stressful. Mental health navigation and supports for yourself or someone you care about are available at the Hay River Community Centre.
Many remote supports are available:
- 811 – Call 24/7 for mental health navigation and supports for yourself or someone you care about.
- Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868, Or text CONNECT to 686868
- Canada Suicide Prevention Service 1-833-456-4566
- First Nation and Inuit Hope For Wellness (Indigenous Support line)
- Call 1-855-242-3310
- Online chat
- Online supports
- Climate and Eco Anxiety Information and Supports
Child and Family Services
There is staff from Child and Family Services at the Hay River Community Centre for evacuated Fort Providence residents to access.
- Hay River CFS Office: 867-874-8430
- On-call CFS (after hours): 867-876-7012
During this time of increased stress for families, children and youth have the potential of being at greater risk of harm. Anyone who suspects child maltreatment and neglect has a responsibility to report these concerns to their local Child and Family Services office.
Transportation
A shuttle service is offered between the Hay River Community Centre and the Hay River Métis Government office and the Kátł’odeeche First Nation Reserve.
Dogs
A temporary kennel service has been set up for evacuated Fort Providence residents’ dogs.
Recreation
Evacuated Fort Providence residents can access recreation programming, such as the aquatic centre.
Emergency Evacuation Relief Program
Evacuees can apply to the Emergency Evacuation Relief Program (EERP) for a one-time payment to help with the costs associated with their evacuation, such as accommodation needs and everyday expenses such as groceries, gas, and other essentials. Residents receiving income assistance are eligible for the (EERP). We ask residents not to submit more than one application, as duplicate applications can delay approvals.
For more information, visit: https://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/en/services/emergency-evacuation-relief-program.
Evacuees do not have to go to the evacuation centre to apply for the EERP. Evacuated residents are encouraged to apply online here: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/form/evacuee-funding.
Income Assistance
Income Assistance recipients from Whatì or Fort Providence who received Income Assistance during the month of August 2025 and are affected by wildfires, will be issued the Emergency Allowance benefits.
The rate of emergency allowance is:
- $500 for single applicants
- $1,000 for families
If you do not have direct deposit, please contact the Hay River or Yellowknife ECE Service Centre to let them know where you are so we can make alternative arrangements.
- Hay River: 867-874-5050
- Yellowknife: 867-767-9356
Driver and Vehicle Services
To find the driver and vehicle office nearest to you, visit https://www.idmv.inf.gov.nt.ca/Help/Driver-and-Vehicle-Offices.
Wildfire Smoke
The latest information on the risks of wildfire smoke exposure in the North Slave and South Slave regions can be found here: https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/newsroom/wildfire-and-smoke-exposure-north-slave-and-south-slave-regions.
For the information on wildfire smoke, please visit: Smoke Forecast.
NWT Alert
Follow the latest emergency alerts here: https://nwtalert.ca/#/
Download the Alertable emergency app:
Health and Social Services Closures
The Fort Providence Community Health and Social Services Centre will be closed until further notice. Two paramedics are providing services out of the health centre for emergency workers.
Emergency services personal in Fort Providence can reach the paramedic team by radio in the event of a communication outage. More information here: https://www.nthssa.ca/en/newsroom/hamlet-fort-providence-health-and-social-services-centre-closed.
Justice Programs and Closures
Fort Providence Victim Services is available in person in Hay River or remotely. Responses may be delayed as staff are assisting with the evacuation. Contact Fort Providence Victim Services here: 867-876-2020 or victimservices@katlodeeche.com.
Fort Providence Probations is closed and has implemented telephone reporting for offenders currently on Probation in the community. Contact Fort Providence Probations here: 867-874-6472 or 1-877-804-6272 (toll-free).
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