UPDATE: City of Yellowknife Mayor Rebecca Alty says city operated facilities were closed suddenly on Wednesday afternoon, with staff working on defense measures and evacuation preparedness.
In a post on Facebook Wednesday, Alty adds that extensive progress has been made by the municipal staff, contractors and military personnel who have stepped up to construct the firebreaks, actively remove vegetation and establish the sprinkler lines in high risk areas.
The firebreak west of the sandpits area is nearly complete, according to Alty. She adds the fire break adjacent to Deh Cho Boulevard near Engle is approximately 50 per cent complete, as well.
We are expecting further updates from the municipality as part of the GNWT wildfire update set to take place 7 p.m. Wednesday night.
The City of Yellowknife has closed all city facilities as of 2:30 on August 16th.
The City announced this sudden change on their Facebook page with very little warning, and with less than fifteen minutes before the listed time. The reason behind this decision was not given, though attempts are being made to reach out to City Hall for clarification.
At this time, the only parts of the city that have received Evacuation Alerts are the Kam Lake Industrial Area, Grace Lake, and the Engle Business District.
An update will be provided as soon as more information is made available.
