Hay River Mayor Kandice Jameson recently spoke with MyTrueNorthNow to give an update on the ongoing wildfire situation after the May Long Weekend.
“The fires, we’ve had some success. The reports are that they’ve been successful in holding that line. They haven’t lost control in the last three days, so that’s good. It was a little cooler here, the winds still, of course, not cooperating.
“I think we need to remember, NWT Environment and Climate Change is providing updates on the fire. when the wind conditions are right, the fire grows about a thousand hectares in a day, so this is why they are being careful to contain the fire first we are continuing to lobby the NWT, we recognize that people are feeling the strain and the pinch of being out of their homes for so long. So we’re lobbying for financial assistance for our evacuees, and recognizing that many of them have had to pay costs and lose work for the last nine or ten days. As information becomes available, we will make sure it is communicated. we will also be sharing a list of financial support programs that are currently available.
“I think we’re blessed that there has been no impact to the property within Hay River, unlike our poor neighbours across the way, and I know we’ll need to support them in the coming days and weeks and months ahead.”
Mayor Jameson also reminded the people of Hay River to stay strong and help each other, and expressed her thanks to neighbouring communities for their hospitality.
“I’m just asking our residents to have patience and hang in there, support each other. The communities that have opened their arms wholeheartedly to our residents, I can’t thank you enough from the bottom of my heart. It’s been amazing, the stories that I’m hearing coming in from all over. Thank you for looking after us again. Twelve months later, and you’ve opened your hearts and your homes, and basically everything you have you’re offering to our residents, from the children to right on up.”
An online public information session is set to take place online at 4pm today for a more detailed update. One of the topics that will be discussed includes an estimate of when Hay River residents will be able to return to their homes.
