Outages & Emergencies

NWT Wildfires

Learn about Northland Utilities response to the wildfires, FAQ's, links to various community resources and information for evacuees

Re-Entry Information
  1. Outages & Emergencies

NWT Wildfire Update

The fires in the Town of Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation prompted evacuations in both communities on May 14, 2023. 

Communities are the lead on response and recovery activities and are supported by the GNWT as needed. 

Territorial and Regional Emergency Management Organizations are activated and providing resources for planning, coordination, and emergency management and recovery operations. 

Assessments are now underway in the Town of Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation. 

All impacted residents are strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible so that they can be included in the current assessment work. 

Registration is strongly recommended to anyone who has had their property or business impacted regardless of insurance status so that assessments can take place. 

To register and for more information, please contact the Town of Hay River Emergency Measures Information and Registration Line at 1.833.699.0188. 

Resources

Town of Hay River Emergency Measures Information and Registration Line: 1.833.699.0188

Yellowknife Evacuation Centre Registration: 867.446.2023

Income Assistance Clients: 1.833.926.2110

NWT Crisis Helpline: 1.800.661.0844

Environment and Climate Change – Fire Updates

Short Term Evacuation Checklist

Wildfire Evacuation Checklist

Fire Smart Begins at Home

Mental Health Resources

We are here for you

We are closely monitoring the wildfire impacting the Hay River area and our crews are ready to respond. Our office in Hay River will re-open Monday, May 29. Office hours will be Monday-Friday 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

If you have any questions, our team can be reached Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm or by calling:

☎️Yellowknife: 867-873-4865

☎️Hay River: 867-874-6879 or 1-800-264-5313

We know that this is a very difficult and stressful time and understand that you may have questions. We will continue to share information as soon as it becomes available, and we appreciate your patience as our team works hard to ensure residents can safely return to the community as quickly as possible.

As always, our team is available to assist with emergencies 24/7. Stay safe! 

FAQs

  • Can I return to my home now?

    Hay River: 

    The Town of Hay River have announced re-entry plans open for residents starting Thursday, May 25, 2023.  The Emergency Evacuation Order will be reduced to an Evacuation Alert. 

    Follow the Town of Hay River Facebook Page for regular updates or visit the Town of Hay River Website.

    K’atlodeeche First Nation: 

    An evacuation order is in effect for Kátł'odeeche First Nation due to a wildfire in the area. The evacuation order was issued on behalf of Kátł’odeeche First Nation. Follow the Kátł'odeeche First Nation Facebook page for regular updates.

  • Will I be billed for the time that my power is off?

    No - our rates are based on usage and consumption, so there will be no charges applied during the time your power is shut off. 

  • When will you be reconnecting my electrical service?

    Before we are able to re-energize services Northland Utilities requires verbal approval from a GNWT Electrical Inspector. Upon their approval, we will ensure the safe return of power to customers impacted by the wildfires. 

    For Kátł'odeeche First Nation, we will reconnect power when we receive approval from Chief April Martel. Afterwards, we require verbal approval from GNWT Electrical Inspector before we are able to re-energize the services.

  • Can you send someone over to check out my property?

    Northland Utilities does not provide property inspections inside the home. Customers will need to contact an electrician to complete an assessment. 

  • What to do once I re-enter my home after a wildfire?

    Investigate

    • When safe to do so, inspect your property for any damage.
    • Plug-in devices slowly to avoid a power surge.

    Repair

    • If you come across damage to your property, ensure you document it so you can submit a claim through insurance later.
    • If your power is still out, please call us at 867.874.6879 or 1.800.264.5313.

    Replenish

    • Dispose of spoiled food. If you’re unsure, it’s best to throw it away to be safe.
    • Refill your 72-hour emergency kit with any supplies you used.
    • Recharge your power bank.
  • What do I do when the power is ready to be restored?

    In some cases, residents left their homes in a hurry and may have left appliances on. For safety, once Northland Utilities is ready to restore power and has provided notice, it is preferred that customers be in their homes to check for any hazards.

    Check that all appliances in the home (e.g., kettles, hot plates, curling irons, stoves) are turned off prior to power restoration. Outbuildings should also be checked. 

    Plug-in devices slowly to avoid a power surge and unplug any unnecessary appliances to reduce the load and assist us in restoring power quickly to the entire region.

  • What do I do if I still don’t have power?

    If you don’t have power, please check your main electric panel and breaker; a blown fuse or tripped breaker could be the cause. Simply moving any tripped switches to the ‘off’ position and then to the ‘on’ position can restore power. If this doesn’t restore power to your home, please report it by calling us at 867.874.6879 or 1.800.264.5313. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.

  • Can a Northland Utilities person come to check my electrical panel?

    If you are concerned with the wiring inside your home, please call a licensed electrician.

  • Do I need a permit to reconnect?

    No, unless there was damage to your residence at which time a permit may be required.

  • What do I do to reconnect my electricity?

    Customers who have contacted Northland Utilities to end their electricity service during this time will need to call us to reactivate their account. For customers who have not contacted us, no further action is required, and they should have power once it has been restored. If you have questions or concerns about your electricity bill, please contact us.

  • Who should I contact for disaster relief support?

    A pathfinder is in place to support those affected by the 2023 Kátł’odeeche First Nation & Hay River Fire. Monday-Friday 9am - 4:30pm.