The City of Yellowknife has officially begun firesmarting procedures.
Heavy equipment has been deployed to help expand the sand pits, and residents are asked to keep clear of these areas so that the work can get done. City staff have also removed sprinkler systems from city parks, and have had them redeployed to the Kam Lake area.
The City is not currently under threat from the fires, nor is under any evacuation warnings. These firesmarting procedures are merely precautionary, and more information will be made available as the situation evolves. The City does have a full evacuation framework and strategy on its website that will be followed in the event that an evacuation is required.
The Yellowknife Fieldhouse will once again be open to those who are looking for relief from the heavy smoke in the air, once the air quality hits “high,” which is a 7 or higher, on Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index.
Free access to the indoor playground and walking track will be available. Community members will be notified when free access to these facilities is in effect via the City’s social media channels. This is being provided to encourage safe exercise for those at the greatest risk including children, elderly and at-risk populations, and is available to all residents.
