Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Northwest Territories RCMP have received information that a group of people may be planning an unsupported return to Yellowknife. The information received is that a group of people are planning to re-enter in the territory in as many as 50 vehicles from Alberta and that “they will not stop for the checkpoints”.
The RCMP strongly discourage any such action. “The evacuation orders and territory-wide state of emergency remain in effect. It is not safe to return to any of the communities under evacuation order,” states Cpl. Matt Halstead, NT RCMP Media Relations. “Trying to return now puts you at risk. There have been extended highway closures due to active wildfire activity, poor visibility and there is a lack of emergency services to respond to a collision or medical emergency while people are in transit. Importantly, if you are not approved for re-entry, you will be turned away. Anyone who engages in activity that risks the safety of Department of Infrastructure staff or RCMP officers at the checkpoints, may face prosecution.”
The communities under evacuation are not prepared for a mass return of residents and there are limited resources in the communities that are intended to support firefighting efforts and essential personnel. The RCMP have the authority under the Emergency Management Act to enforce the checkpoints.
The Northwest Territories RCMP with the support of the Alberta RCMP are continuing to investigate this matter. “We understand that people want to come home” states Cpl. Halstead, “but this type of activity has the potential to drain resources and delay the receipt of essential supplies for fire-fighting efforts. Trying to return to any of these communities en masse, would be irresponsible and threatens to exacerbate already difficult conditions.”