Photo credits: Town of Hay River

In 2023, the Northwest Territories experienced its worst wildfire season since the year 2000. Almost a quarter of the total hectares burned across Canada were burned within NWT borders. Ultimately, by August 18^th, 2023, over half the population of the Northwest Territories had evacuated from the territory to Alberta or surrounding provinces. 

Residents were left both frustrated and hopeless once the evacuation order for the capital city, Yellowknife, was called on August 16^th. Residents shared feelings of financial devastation, sharing “if they’re forced to evacuate again, they aren’t coming back”, and “financially, they cannot evacuate”. Some residents shared their experiences driving out on the only highway connecting the Northwest Territories to Alberta, which was one of the hot spots for wildfire, saying “the truck was on fire, the trailer was on fire, basically the road was on fire”.  

A few days prior to Yellowknife’s evacuation order being called, Enterprise, a small hamlet in the southern end of the Northwest Territories, was ran through by fire, and up to 80% of the community was lost. Residents affected by the fires who lost their homes and communities expressed feelings that the territorial government had “forgotten Enterprise all down the line”, expressing that “it’s hard being displaced people”. They also shared that they felt the community had been brought together by the loss. 

Enterprise – September 12, 2023 – Taken by Parker Waddell

My own experience of the evacuation is slightly different than the stories shared above. My family had gone on vacation four days prior to the evacuation, and had driven through Enterprise two days prior to the community being run rampant by wildfire. The only part of the evacuation order in Yellowknife that truly affected us was being away from home, work, and school for four weeks. We were very fortunate to have family that was willing to host us for two extra weeks, and to be in a position where financially, we were able to survive for four weeks away from Yellowknife. The stress however, and mixed signals from the territorial and municipal, was hard. I am blessed that my home was not severely affected, and that I was able to somewhat enjoy the evacuation. I have endless empathy for those who lost their homes, jobs, communities, and livelihood due to the wildfires.

In the end, the 2023 wildfire season in the Northwest Territories was so much more than just a record-breaking environmental disaster. It exposed the vulnerability of entire communities, the emotional and financial strain of sudden displacement, and the unequal ways people experienced the same event. While some, like my family, were fortunate enough to find stability and support during the evacuation, many others faced unimaginable loss, fear and uncertainty. These stories, both shared and personal, highlight not only the devastation caused by the fires, but also the resilience, connection, and empathy that emerged in their wake. As the territory continues to recover, even years later, the experiences of 2023 serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness, clear communication, and community support in the face of future crises.