The Yukon government is assisting with emergency response operations in the Northwest Territories and supporting Yellowknife residents who have left their homes.

Late last week, four individuals from the Fire Marshal’s Office (three Special Heavy Operations Team (SHOT) members and one Deputy Fire Marshal were deployed along with five City of Whitehorse firefighters to work directly with the City of Yellowknife Fire Department.

Supporting the Government of Northwest Territories’ order to evacuate, the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) is working with Emergency Support Services (ESS) on providing support and accommodations to any N.W.T. residents who are needing assistance.

Two of the flights leaving Evacuees in Whitehorse should call ESS at 332-4597 to register and discuss the availability of supports.

“We’ve all been alarmed by the wildfires around Yellowknife and the speed with which circumstances have changed,” Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn said in a statement last Friday afternoon

“Yukoners always stand with our neighbours, and we’re happy to have a role in keeping Yellowknife residents safe. We are hoping for a quick, successful outcome to this stressful and terrible situation.”

Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee added, “The stress and upset of having to leave your home and community under these circumstances is immense.

“We are here to welcome our neighbours with care and compassion and support them however we can.”

The City of Whitehorse, said Mayor Laura Cabott, “has been in regular contact with the City of Yellowknife and our emergency management partners.

“In addition to our firefighters, the city has offered a variety of other personnel to support response and evacuation efforts, and we are ready to support in any way we can, for as long as we are needed.”