Norman Wells (Aug 01/03) - Some 70 residents from Norman Wells remain in Inuvik following their evacuation from that town last week.

Some 70 residents of Norman Wells were evacuated to Inuvik last week, because of dangerous smoke conditions in that town. - Terry Halifax/NNSL photo

Eric Bussey, director of Emergency Services for Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA), said the evacuation was necessary because of the heavy smoke that was blowing into town.

"The evacuation was ordered because of health concerns, not because of danger from the fire itself," Bussey said.

Two fires were started by a July 21 lightning storm near Norman Wells.

One fire 17 kilometres to the northwest of town had consumed about 15,000 hectares as of Tuesday, July 29, but is burning away from town.

A second fire 22 kilometres east of town has burned 1,100 hectares.

Both wildfires required a "burn out," where fuel close to town was intentionally lit to stop the advance of the wildfire.

Because of the additional smoke caused from the burn out, Municipal and Community Affairs organized the evacuation of 70 residents to Inuvik, until the burn was complete.

"MACA asked the town for assistance in providing registration for everyone who came in," Clarkson said.

The town employees organized a caterer, transportation and day camp activities for the children.

"The older kids can come in and attend day camp," he said. "We also have a shuttle service where that runs every two hours, so people can come in and go to the library, go shopping and do what ever they need to do."

"We're trying to make their stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible."

Over the weekend, the Inuvik Volunteer Fire Department held a "pool party" for the children.

Firefighters inflated rubber boats and filled them with water for the kids to play in.

On Tuesday afternoon, representatives from Health and Social Services visited the evacuees at the FOL barracks to offer the assistance of their office

Pat Peterson, regional psychologist, offered her help with anyone who might be suffering because of the stress of the evacuation. Sandra Suliman, acting director for Inuvik Health and Social Services, assured the people that they will receive the same services here that were available in the Wells.

Amanda Hansen Lennie said she and her five month-old daughter Lauren are holding up very well.

"It's been great," Hansen-Lennie said. "Everybody's been treating us really good; they are supplying us with everything you could think of."

While it's not quite home, she says their stay in the barracks has been comfortable.

Playing with the kids, working on her needlepoint and crocheting keeps her busy during the day and if she needs a break, there are plenty of "nannies" around.

"All of us moms here are looking after each other and taking care when we need a break," she said.

Bussey said Tuesday that the conditions look positive for returning the evacuees home for Thursday, but they will stay in Inuvik until the threat of smoke has passed.

"Everyone involved in this are anxious to have people return home, but we certainly will only do that when we feel that we are not jeopardizing people's health and safety," Bussey said.