2023 Wildfire Updates
Fire Smart Resources

Town of Hay River Emergency Measures Information and Registration Line – 1-833- 699-0188
Yellowknife Evacuation Centre Registration – 1 867 446 2023
To donate to the United Way NWT
Income Assistance Clients – 1 833 926 2110
NWT Crisis Helpline 1 800 661 0844
Environment and Climate Change – Fire Updates
Short Term Evacuation Checklist
Wildfire Evacuation Checklist
Fire Smart Begins at Home
Financial Supports – May 24, 2023
Mayor and Council have been lobbying the Northwest Territories Government for compensation for individuals impacted by the wildfire. The Town will share any decisions and information as it becomes available.
Impacted businesses can apply similar to last years event under the ITI Seed Funding for operational support at https://www.iti.gov.nt.ca/en/SEED . Gift cards including gas cards are available at the Yellowknife reception centre.
United Way in combination with the NWT have made available Rapid Response grants up to $2,500 for registered charities supporting those impacted in Hay River and the Katlodeeche First Nation. Applications for non-profit groups looking to support their membership are at http://nwt.unitedway.ca/fires . The Hay River Animal Welfare Society and Hay River Animal Shelter have each secured $2,500 microgrants to help pet owners offset pet care costs while evacuated.
The Town of Hay River has applied for funding from the United Way for similar efforts in supporting evacuees.
Residents are encouraged to contact insurance providers to access funding available in their policies. Additionally, banks may provide the opportunity to adjust payment schedules.
The Town of Hay River staff are providing assistance to organizations in accessing funding.
More details will be released as soon as they are made available.
Information agents are available at 1-833- 699-0188.
Town officials met this morning, Wednesday, the 24th of May, 2023, and decided to open the Town of Hay River for residents’ return tomorrow, Thursday, May 25, 2023. The Emergency Evacuation Order will be reduced to an Evacuation Alert. Conditions are still not without risk, but the Town recognizes the offsetting impact and risks to residents being away from their homes. There is a brief period of time needed to assess critical infrastructure and allow essential staff to return before the town is open on Thursday morning.
The Town of Hay River is still not suitable for those with special health care needs to return. Additionally, members of the Katlodeeche First Nation will have a separate plan in consideration of the extensive damage to their home. Those with Special Health Needs are advised to delay their re-entry to allow for full restoration of their support services and risk reduction.
The fire will continue to have flare ups and smoke throughout the summer. The threat of an evacuation in the future will remain through the fire season.
The Mayor and Council appreciate residents’ sacrifices during this time. Countless people have relentlessly worked to ensure there has been no damage to your homes or properties and are excited for you to return.
Information agents are available at 1-833- 699-0188.
For full details on the re-entry plan click here.
COMMUNITY NOTICE – May 23, 2023 10:30 AM
The Town of Hay River will be hosting a public meeting on the wildfire in the area of the community at 4pm today, Tuesday May 23, 2023. The GNWT’s Department of Environment and Climate Change will present an update on the fire and planned firefighting activities and the town will provide an overview of the re-entry plan. The meeting will be online on the Town of Hay River YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@townofhayriver965/streams . A link will be provided on the Town Facebook page. The meeting is planned to be broadcast at the Yellowknife Multiplex reception centre and at the Enterprise community hall. Submit your questions by text or email to townhall@hayriver.com.
The RCMP were able to locate the missing person last night and return him to his family.
The Mayor and Council of Hay River are continuing to lobby the NWT for financial assistance for evacuees recognizing that many have had to pay costs and lose work. As any information becomes available it will be communicated. The Town will be sharing a listing of financial support programs that are currently available.
Hay River Fire crews and RCMP continue to have 24-hour coverage. The Town of Hay River has been working on fire smart measures to continue to reduce the risk of fire in Hay River. The road into Hay River remains closed and there remains a smoke and fire risk to Highway 5. To see the highway conditions go to @GNWT_INF on Twitter or https://www.dot.gov.nt.ca/Highways
To speak to a reception agent for more information call 1-833- 699-0188. Next Town issued update is at 10:30 AM Wednesday, May 24, 2023 or as needed.
COMMUNITY NOTICE – May 22, 2023 10:30 AM
The Town of Hay River will be providing an update from its Community Emergency Management Committee once daily at 10:30AM and as required. The Town will share the twice daily NWT Fire updates which will provide specific details of the fire and activities associated with fighting it. Fire crews today are planning activities on the East, South East, and North East perimeters of the fire. Dozers will continue fire break work along the KFN access road and into other protection areas. Favourable cool temperatures will help to support today’s work. The fire is still categorized as Out of Control.
The Town and the GNWT are organizing a virtual public meeting to update on fire conditions, supports and answer questions. Details will come out over the next day or two with a focus on having the meeting as soon as possible.
Picture of local musicians providing entertainment to evacuees.
The Mayor and Council of Hay River are continuing to lobby the NWT for financial assistance for evacuees recognizing that many have had to pay costs and lose work. As any information becomes available it will be communicated. The Town will be sharing a listing of financial support programs that are currently available.
Last night 1 evacuee from Hay River and 3 evacuees from Enterprise travelled via bus to Yellowknife. Approximately 1,300 people are registered through Yellowknife and 544 via Hay River with numbers from Fort Providence and other locations still to be counted.
Work on a re-entry plan is ongoing to be able to bring people back as soon as the NWT ECC and other emergency officials indicate it is safe to do so. The plan considers the fact that it will take most of the summer to completely put out the fire and there will be variable levels of risks associated with unknown weather and other conditions during that time. Other essential organizations will be developing and aligning their opening plans with towns re-entry plan. The Town and KFN are coordinating reentry plans for the two communities.
Hay River Fire crews and RCMP continue to have 24-hour coverage. The Town of Hay River has been working on fire smart measures to continue to reduce the risk of fire in Hay River. The road into Hay River remains closed and there remains a smoke and fire risk to Highway 5. To see the highway conditions go to @GNWT_INF on Twitter or https://www.dot.gov.nt.ca/Highways
To speak to a reception agent for more information call 1-833- 699-0188.
Next Town issued update is at 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 23, 2023 or as needed.
COMMUNITY NOTICE – May 21, 2023 5:00 PM
NWT ECC is anticipating being able to provide a forecast for when a return may happen toward the end of this coming week. Evacuees can plan on a minimum of 5 to 6 days before a return is possible.
The northwest section of the fire by the KFN old village is reported to be stabilized. Five crews are working along the west side of the fire, putting in a cat guard that is intended to go all the way to Highway 5 when complete. Crews continue to work along the south side of the fire which is approximately 7 kilometres long and includes dense, swampy and hot. The southeast corner which is a hot spot was being handled by air today. Crews have been working on cutting a route in to access the fire from the south with equipment. ECC is concerned with the risk of the fire breaching the NE corner and returning around the south of the fire into new burn with limited protection for Hay River. Test burns around the NE corner produced unfavourable results due to very dry conditions.
There is an increase in capacity brought in for the small air tankers to be able to operate them almost continuously.
The risk of the fire expanding still remains high. Winds tonight will be 15 gusting to 25 from the North to Northeast which will put pressure on the hot southern edge of the fire. Winds will continue the same tomorrow with a reduced high of 14.
Hay River Fire crews and RCMP continue to have 24 hour coverage. The road into Hay River remains closed and there remains a smoke and fire risk to Highway 5. To see the highway conditions go to @GNWT_INF on Twitter or https://www.dot.gov.nt.ca/Highways
It is important that those concerned that someone is entering their home without permission call the RCMP directly and not post on Facebook. This will get a response when needed. The number directly is 867-874-4111. There have been several reports of bears in the Hay River and Enterprise areas. Please contact ECC directly at 867-875-7640.
The information line remains available (1-833- 699-0188) for general assistance and transportation information.
Next update at 10:30 AM Monday, May 22, 2023 or as the situation changes.
A controlled ignition was executed by ECC on the NE perimeter near Sandy Creek Lodge with the aim to protect structures and limit uncontrolled growth of fire. Work on the south control lines was undertaken to strengthen defense system with winds expected to shift to a north direction tomorrow. Dozers worked to enhance the protection line and remove fuel along the KFN access road. Work was completed by the Department of Infrastructure along highway 5 right away that included scarifying in areas between the Kátł’odeh Bridge (Pine Point bridge) and Sandy Creek.
Fire smarting activity opened a fire break behind Miron Place that will reduce risks and provide access to fire fighting equipment for actioning any spot fires. Parks Canada’s Trident wildland protection system was deployed today in the Fraser Place subdivision area. The system will be used to soak area to reduce chance of spot fires in the densely wooded area. The system can be easily transported to emerging risk areas. Cover material was applied to areas of the landfill. Work will be ongoing through the weekend.
An exit plan out of the community for the Community Emergency Management Committee and essential workers has been developed and is being communicated to organizations in case required. A Backup Emergency Control Centre has been established. Northland Utilities has deployed a mobile genset for Enterprise in case of power loss to Hay River generation system.
The fire status remains at ‘out of control’ and is approximately 3000 hectares in size. HRFD will continue to provide 24 hour monitoring in Hay River.
The information line remains available (1-833- 699-0188) for general assistance and transportation information. Evacuees can register through this number. Those evacuees in Yellowknife should register at the Multiplex.
Next update at 10:30am Sunday, May 21st or as the situation changes.
WILDFIRES COMMUNITY NOTICE – May 20, 2023; 10:30am
Firefighting crews had good success yesterday with managing the wildfire. There was some moderate growth on the active burn area on the eastern and southern edges. Dozers widened the access road into KFN which will provide protection to Hay River. Heavy smoke conditions were observed overnight in the area including highway 5 with cooling temperatures.
Moderate winds from the SE today are expected with warming temperatures. Decent conditions are expected for fighting the fire with fire pushing back on burnt areas but may experience some flares. Dozers will continue to work on the south perimeter and in widening access road to KFN. ECC will be looking into potential ignition operations on SE perimeter.
No ignitions occurred within Hay River yesterday or overnight. HRFD continues to provide 24 hour monitoring of the community. Fire smarting has occurred on the east side of Morin Place. Cover material and protection to landfill is ongoing. A Trident sprinkler system from Parks Canada is expected to arrive and be deployed today within Hay River. HRFD will support deployment. 90% of properties along McBryan Drive and Miron Drive have had roof top sprinklers deployed. Residential water tanks on Mile 5 have been filled for proactive purposes. Sprinkler systems will be relocated into areas of risk with changes in fire conditions.
Six residents were transported from Hay River to Yellowknife yesterday by shuttle. The checkpoint reported additional people evacuating from Hay River. Transportation out of Hay River is scheduled for 12pm today at the Hay River Community Centre.
The information line remains available (1-833- 699-0188) for general assistance and transportation information. Evacuees can register through this number. Those evacuees in Yellowknife should register at the Multiplex.
Next update at 5:00pm Saturday, May 20, 2023 or as the situation changes.
COMMUNITY NOTICE – May 19, 2023 5:00 PM
Fire activity was less than anticipated due to lighter than predicted wind speeds, overcast conditions and a small amount of precipitation. The improved conditions allowed further work on the south cat guard and widening of the KFN road to the south to act as a fire break. The fire has not reached highway 5 as predicted this morning. Flare ups on the northern area near the KFN old village were managed with helicopter support.
The Hay River branch of Incident Control is now established for operations to support the NWT ECC with the HRFD Fire Chief as head. A Trident sprinkler system with crew from Parks Canada will be arriving tomorrow for setup on Hay River side for prevention. Approximately 90% of riverfront property homes located on McBryan and Miron Drive were protected with roof mounted sprinklers by Town of Hay River staff.
Tree removal behind Morin Place had begun as a fire break. The Kakisa tug boat with a water cannon will be available to be deployed on the river, if required.
Six people were evacuated from Hay River today by bus. The checkpoint reported many other people evacuating.
The information line remains available (1-833- 699-0188) for general assistance and transportation information.
Next update at 10:30 AM Saturday, May 20, 2023 or as the situation changes.
HAY RIVER IMPORTANT EVACUATION UPDATE May 19, 2023 10:45 AM
Bus service will be available to remaining citizens in Hay River to evacuate. The bus will be leaving at noon and 2pm, today, May 19, 2023 to shuttle people from Hay River to Enterprise. Arrangements will be made to move people from there to Yellowknife. The community centre is available and 1-833- 699-0188) is available for general assistance and transportation information.
It is critical that those remaining in Hay River evacuate.
COMMUNITY NOTICE – May 19, 2023 10:30 AM
Fire conditions were very challenging yesterday but there was no further impact to buildings in either community. Today, north winds are gusting from the north at 50 to 60 kilometres causing thick black smoke and an extreme fire risk. NWT ECC crews are working to protect the west bank of the Hay River and the Hay River Fire Department (HRFD) is working to protect properties from the downtown south. Crews will turn on residential sprinklers initially along McBryan as needed and progress south.
The fire is forecast to reach Highway 5 at some point today. Crews will initially pilot cars through the smoke while it is safe, with a strong possibility of eventual closure.
Buses are being set up for noon and 2pm to evacuate remaining residents in Hay River. They will be initially shuttled to Enterprise and arrangements are being made to take them to Yellowknife. The information line remains available (1-833- 699-0188) for general assistance and transportation information.
Next update at 5:00 PM Friday, May 19, 2023 or as the situation changes.
South Slave Camper evacuees will not be asked to leave the campgrounds over the next few days as ITI has cancelled any reservations that were made prior to the fire event.
The Hay River Regional Health Centre ER is open to first responders only. Mental health services for Hay River though will be coming online very soon. The NWT has been working on the eventual transportation options for return.
The information line remains available (1-833- 699-0188) for general assistance and transportation information. Information will be updated on the Wildfire Updates page of the town website at https://hayriver.com/2023-wildfire-updates/ as it is made available.
Next update at 10:30 AM Friday, May 19, 2023.
COMMUNITY NOTICE – May 17, 2023 5:00PM
Information will be updated on the Wildfire Updates page of the town website at https://hayriver.com/2023-wildfire-updates/ as it is made available.
Heavy smoke is anticipated the rest of today and tomorrow. Extremely hot and dry weather led to increased fire activity and ash to both communities.
The Hay River Regional Health Facility emergency is open to first responders only.
Grocery cards have been issued to those evacuees at the Yellowknife Multiplex.
In Hay River, the NWT ECC continues to work to contain the uncontrolled fire with a focus on impact to the Kátł’odeeche community structures and homes. 11 crews and 120 people are in camp working on the fire with a heavy air presence.
Hay River is still closed with the road check station in place. Transportation has been provided for those in Hay River and Enterprise to go to the Yellowknife reception centre to access all services. Within Hay River the Regional Health Centre is closed, there is no air ambulance service, all other services remain closed. The resources that are in place in the municipality are focused on the fire event.
All buildings and property in Hay River have not been impacted by the fire. RCMP continue to be a strong 24-hour presence.
The information line remains available (1-833- 699-0188) for general assistance and transportation information.
Next update at 10:30 AM Wednesday, May 18, 2023.
COMMUNITY NOTICE – May 17, 2023 10:30AM
Information will be updated on the Wildfire Updates page of the town website at https://hayriver.com/2023-wildfire-updates/ as it is made available.
The Yellowknife evacuation centre has 896 registered evacuees and 298 staying at the multiplex. Evacuees are provded meals, social services, mental health support and Hay River is working to provide additional care and comfort options given the duration of the fire event.
In Hay River, the NWTECC is working to contain the uncontrolled fire with a focus on impact to the Kátł’odeeche community structures and homes. 100 people are in camp working on the fire, with Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation fire support.
Hay River is still closed with the road check station in place. Transportation has been provided for those in Hay River and Enterprise to go to the Yellowknife reception centre to access all services. Within Hay River the Regional Health Centre is closed, there is no air ambulance service, all other services remain closed. The resources that are in place in the municipality are focused on the fire event.
All buildings and property in Hay River have not been impacted by the fire. RCMP continue to be a strong 24-hour presence. The 911 service is back online.
The information line remains available (1-833- 699-0188) for general assistance and transportation information.
Next update at 5:00 PM Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
COMMUNITY NOTICE – May 16, 2023 7:00PM
Photo courtesy of Krista Mom
Crews have been working on building a perimeter around the uncontrolled fire, in an effort to gain control of it. The risk for fire and heavy smoke is still high with the variable wind conditions. There has been no damage to property or buildings in Hay River. Smaller aircraft and helicopters have been dumping water all afternoon and the larger Lockheed Electras will start dropping later today.
It is still unsafe to return, and residents should plan on staying away from Hay River for at least the next 2 to 3 days. Staff are actively working on care and comfort support for evacuees and to provide contact information for resources. Mayor Jameson and Councillor Bouchard have visited the evacuees in the Enterprise area. Councillor Chambers has been liaising with the Yellowknife centre visiting workers and evacuees. The Town of Hay River is very appreciative to the many communities that are hosting our evacuees and have offered support to our community members.
Mayor and Council recognize that it has been challenging for people housed in arenas and other facilities, and people are keen to get home. Please know that Council and staff are continuing to work hard to keep the community safe and progress toward residents returning.
The information line remains available (1-833- 699-0188) for general assistance and transportation information.
Next update at 10:30AM Wednesday, May 17, 2023.



COMMUNITY NOTICE – May 16, 2023 11:30AM
The Town of Hay River has received an update from NWT Environment and Climate Change who are managing the fire. The fire is still uncontrolled at this stage which indicates a high risk of wildfire in Hay River with shifting winds. This echoes the conditions that occurred yesterday. Crews continue to work to get the fire under control. A wind shift later tonight will also produce very poor air quality what will impact those with respiratory and health issues.
Mayor and Council recognize that it has been challenging for people housed in arenas and other facilities, and people are keen to get home. We thank all the communities that have offered support for evacuees, patients and workers, making them feel welcome and supported.
It is still unsafe to return. The Regional Health Centre is still closed as well as all services and amenities in the community. Staff are actively working on a plan for residents to return safely if we receive positive news in the next few days.
The information line remains available (1-833- 699-0188) for general assistance and transportation information.
Next update at 3:00PM


Registration Centre doors will close at 10PM for the evening. Evacuees should check in by that time. Doors will reopen at 8AM for breakfast.
An evacuation order has been issued for KFN. There is no risk to Hay River at this time. Hay River has been designated as a host community. Hay River Community Centre will be accepting evacuees through their reception centre. The registration centre will provide basic accommodation, health services and recreation to evacuees that are staying.
May 25, 2023 10:30 AM – Hay River Update
Last night, Environment and Climate Change(ECC) assigned a status of “being held” to the KFN area fire. Through this status ECC does not anticipate the fire to grow under expected conditions and controls. Firefighting crews will continue to work the active fire to achieve an “under control” status. The Town of Hay River remains under an Evacuation Alert.
In accordance with the Town’s reopening plan, the general public may return to Hay River today, Thursday May 25th, at 12:00pm. Those identified in the plan with special health needs are advised to not return until the Evacuation Alert is lifted. For information on transportation to Hay River, please contact 1-833-699-0188. Hay River continues communication with the Kátł’odeeche First Nation leadership on their reopening plan.
Hay River Mayor and Council continue to lobby the NWT government for additional financial support for evacuees. The available resources that are available will be posted on the Town website and updated on Facebook if they become available.
Hay River Public Works have been working to restore Town utilities. Residents returning home should run all taps in their house for 5 minutes to flush their system prior to drinking any water. The landfill is open and there are dumpsters available outside of the fence after hours for residential waste only. Garbage pickup will return to normal service beginning Friday May 26th. Residents are encouraged to fire smart their properties upon return to the community. The Town will share information on good fire smartening practices. A new date for Curbside Community Cleanup will be announced shortly.
Information agents remain available at 1-833- 699-0188 from 8am to 8pm each day.