City empties as thousands flee wildfire burning near capital of Canada's Northwest Territories
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Vehicles line up to refuel Thursday in Fort Providence, Northwest Territories, on the only road south of Yellowknife. Residents heeded warnings to evacuate Canada's Northwest Territories capital as a bushfire ignited just miles outside of the city of 20,000. Estimated reading time 4-5 minutes VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Residents heeded warnings to evacuate Canada's Northwest Territories capital as firefighters battle growing fire that set homes on fire in a British Columbia city, as massive bushfire burned just outside the city of 20,000 on Friday . In Yellowknife, thousands people traveled hundreds of miles to safety as authorities guided drivers through fire zones, while others waited in long queues for emergency flights as Canada's worst fire season on record showed no signs easing. Air tankers flew on missions to keep open the only route outside of Yellowknife. Meanwhile, a network of fire brigades, sprinklers, and water cannons was set up to try to protect the city from fire. Fire information officer Mike Westwick told Associated Press on Friday evening that fire was not progressing Friday and was located 9 miles northwest of city, in part because cooler temperatures created less fire activity and cleared some smoke, allowing air tankers to fly safely. Leave fire retardant. Even so, the forecast has "the wrong kind of wind" - strong from the west and northwest - no rain, Westwick warned. Shane Thompson, the region's minister of environment and natural resources, said more than 19,000 people left Yellowknife in less than 48 hours. About 15,000 people drove and 3,800 people flew. "This is an incredible achievement for safely evacuating so many people," he said. It is an incredible achievement to evacuate so many people safely. – Shane Thompson Gas stations that still had fuel were open on Friday, but the city was nearly empty, with grocery store, a pharmacy and bar still open. Indigenous communities have been hit hard by wildfires, which have threatened important cultural activities such as hunting, fishing and local plant gathering. West Kelowna fire chief Jason Brolund said residents were facing another "terrible night". There were no known casualties. Canadian Armed Forces soldiers built a fire barrier at Parker Recreation Area in Yellowknife to help fight the bushfires on Wednesday. Mayor Rebecca Alty said she understands the emotional ups and downs city residents go through. "Unfortunately, the journey isn't over yet," she said. "The fire continues to approach and the uncertainty of when you can return will be difficult." Alice Liske left Yellowknife with her six children earlier this week because the air quality was so bad. He was worried that so many people could flee the city in such a short time. "Not only that," she said, "what will be there for us when we get back?" × Photos