(Yellowknife) Residents of Yellowknife and a neighboring First Nation who have been evacuated for weeks due to wildfires should start planning now for their return home, which begins Wednesday.
Officials from the governments of the Northwest Territories and Yellowknife said at a news conference that residents who drive home are responsible for their own food and accommodation upon their return, and should prepare to be independent for 72 hours upon their return.
This means bringing prescription medications, non-perishable food items and cash.
Residents who left Yellowknife on evacuation flights are encouraged to pre-register for return flights, either online through the territory’s public safety webpage or through the phone lines already open.
Officials say preregistration will allow them to plan how many return flights are needed, as well as where the planes will be sent.
Only essential workers who have been contacted are now allowed to return, and everyone else must stay where they are until the evacuation is lifted on Wednesday.
