Approximately 27,000 people are expected to make their way into Alberta over the next few days as numerous out-of-control wildfires have prompted evacuation orders throughout the Northwest Territories, including the City of Yellowknife.
The evacuees from Yellowknife, who have to leave the city by noon on Friday August 18th, will make their way down into Alberta on the only highway that connects Yellowknife with the rest of Canada.
Many communities throughout the province have opened reception centers to help the evacuees.
High Level has opened a lot of spaces for RV camping, as well as a help center as residents from Yellowknife make their way down Highway 35.
Grande Prairie, St. Albert, and Leduc did have centers opened, but they have reached capacity and aren’t accepting new evacuees.
As of Friday August 18th, accommodations remain open in Valleyview, Fox Creek, Whitecourt, and Red Deer.
The City of Edmonton announced that the EXPO Centre will open Hall C to evacuees and provide amenities. It opens at noon on Friday August 18th.
For residents of Yellowknife who can’t leave by car, they will be transported by air to Calgary where an evacuation center at YYC Calgary International Airport has already opened.
Charter flights from the Canadian Forces are being provided, and for those choosing commercial services, WestJet is relaxing policies on pets in the cabin and increasing service between Calgary and Yellowknife for a few days.
Residents from the communities of Hay River and Fort Smith were transported by air to Fort McMurray earlier this week, where they will remain for now.
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