The City of Yellowknife is reminding residents to stay fire safe this long weekend as our neighbours from Behchoko return home.
With wildfires and fire bans becoming very common throughout the NWT, Yellowknife has given out a few tips on how to keep any potential future fires from breaking out in our own homes.
If a fire breaks out in the microwave, turn it off and keep the door closed to smother the fire. The same tis apply if a fire breaks out in the oven. For fires that break out on the stovetop, turn out the power, and either slide a tight lid over the pot, or put out the flames with baking soda.
Some other tips include making sure that pot handles are turned toward the back of the stove. This can make sure that small children don’t pull on them, or that anyone else might bump into it as they walk by.
Avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking. Any stray pieces of clothing could come into contact with the heating element and catch fire.
Keep stove and oven clean because built-up grease and food particles are easily ignited. Keep combustibles like curtains, dish towels, plastic or wood utensils, newspapers, or grocery bags away from the stove, oven and all appliances.
If a fire breaks out in the kitchen and becomes to large to safely handle, exit the building and contact 911.
The City of Yellowknife is also sending their thanks to city residents for their hospitality and welcoming attitudes while they hosted their neighbors and friends from Behchokǫ̀. The City’s collaboration with many partners like the GNWT, Tłı̨chǫ Government, and local businesses and organizations, assisted to make a difficult, uncertain situation safe and more bearable for evacuees.
The City is pleased Behchokǫ̀ residents can now return home. As a result of this, the wristband program that offered access for free access of City facilities and public transit to evacuees has ceased as of noon on Friday, August 4th.
Wildfire ZF015 has been the major threat in the North Slave area over the past week. The City of Yellowknife has been focusing on the potential risks of this fire given the current weather forecasts. There is currently no risk to Yellowknife.
