Return to evacuated Canadian regional capital of Yellowknife starts in stages - essential workers first

The Canadian regional capital of Yellowknife has now been evacuated for three weeks. This week, residents are slowly starting to return, and authorities are urging patience - or even asking vulnerable resident to consider delaying their return date. 

There weeks ago,  the government of Northwest Territories evacuated due to an approaching wildfire. The wildfire is now considered to be held, meaning it isn't expected to expand unless something considerably changes in the fire conditions. 

The return will occur in phases, with essential workers and their families expected to start coming home on Monday and Tuesday this week, the CBC reports. Then the general population will be allowed to return by noon on Wednesday.

Officials are asking anyone with health conditions to wait longer before returning.

Minister Shane Thompson said that evacuees returning home via road will be responsible for their own accommodations, food, and other expenses. This comes despite the government encouraging as many who could to leave by road.

Photo Credit: Aerial photo of the wildfires in the Northwest Territories in northern Canada summer of 2023. Photo provided courtesy of N.W.T. Fire