The remaining essential workers in Wrigley are evacuating, even as their neighbours in Fort Simpson return home.
The community of about 130 people was evacuated to Fort Smith on June 29, because of a wildfire north of the community.
According to a N.W.T. Fire Bulletin released Saturday afternoon, the fire perimeter grew approximately two kilometers on the south side. overnight. That’s the portion of the fire closest to Wrigley.
Jamie Moses, chief of the Pehdzéh Kı̨ First Nation in Wrigley, says the incident commander sent word the fire was moving towards the community, and crews had to abandon their line and pull out for their own safety. Air tankers put down fire retardant, but the fire crossed that line too.
“Last night we got everybody gassed up and this morning everybody’s making their way out to Fort Smith,” said Moses. He doesn’t have exact numbers but says around 20 people will be driving out.
Moses says conditions are very smoky, especially towards the river, but the ferry is open.
“I just spoke to the captain. He’s waiting on the north side for the first batch of vehicles to arrive,” said Moses. “Everybody’s to make their way to Fort Smith and they’re going to be expecting us,
