Jean Marie River, N.W.T., braces for potential evacuation if winds whip up nearby wildfire

Residents in Jean Marie River, N.W.T., say they are preparing for a potential evacuation of the community if strong winds drive a nearby wildfire closer to town on Wednesday.

"Well, the wind has picked up here in the community as predicted," said Melanie Norwegian-Menacho, the chief of the community, on Wednesday afternoon.

"We ... have our band staffing busy at this time, setting up registration online and taking care of the community, giving out notices and making sure everybody's ready and set to go if we have to evacuate."

There is no evacuation order for Jean Marie River at this point. An evacuation alert was issued on Monday, to advise people to prepare in case it becomes necessary to leave. 

Online, a community notice Wednesday sought to reassure residents who might see work ongoing to protect structures and prep the community. It said the community government would issue an evacuation order if it becomes necessary, but for now, residents shouldn't be alarmed if they see work happening.

According to N.W.T. Fire on Wednesday, the fire of concern was still more than 20 kilometres northwest of Jean Marie River but strong winds out of the northwest were expected to increase fire activity and potentially move it closer to town.

It said fire crews were being proactive in working to protect the community.

"A perimeter of wet line has been set along the north end of the community. We will continue to work to minimize fire growth in the bush, while being proactive to keep Jean Marie River safe should the fire exceed control effort," reads a notice from N.W.T. Fire early Wednesday afternoon.

Norwegian-Menacho said there was a community meeting on Tuesday where residents were advised to "make sure that they're set and ready to go."

She's asking any residents who missed that information meeting to check in with the First Nation's office to get any essential updates.