SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Residents living along Highway 3 between Yellowknife and kilometre marker 300, just past Boundary Creek, are being asked to voluntarily evacuate to Yellowknife.

As a result of strong winds blowing smoke into the area, resulting in reduced visibility, residents living along Highway 3 between Yellowknife and Kilometre 300, just past Boundary Creek, are being asked by the GNWT to voluntarily evacuate their residences. A reception area has been set up at the Fieldhouse for those who choose to leave their homes. - photo courtesy of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation

Representatives from the territorial government issued the notice this evening, and are going door-to-door to advise residents in the affected area of the risks and of the evacuation plans, according to a news release.

Residents that choose to leave are being advised to go to the reception area that has been set up at the Fieldhouse.

The voluntary evacuation is the result of strong northwesterly winds expected in Yellowknife and the surrounding area Wednesday evening which would result in heavy smoke and reduced visibility.

According to the news release announcing the voluntary evacuation, Yellowknife itself is not in any danger of forest fires. The nearest fire is 30 km west of the city and is approximately 100 square kilometres in size, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

As a result of these strong winds, Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for the city. The statement adds that the winds bringing extra smoke into Yellowknife is expected to continue until at least Friday morning.