When wildfires began to ravage the Northwest Territories, PSAC members were on the front lines supporting relief efforts across the territory, including firefighters and healthcare workers. More than 20,000 residents were affected by evacuation orders across the territory.

Trevor Bourgeois, a seasoned firefighter with the Yellowknife Airport, was helping with the Hay River evacuation when he was called back to Yellowknife to evacuate his home city. Despite being separated from their families during the crisis, Bourgeois and his colleagues were ready to do whatever was needed to protect their community.

“We were given the option to evacuate, but all of the firefighters stayed back, and many of the maintenance workers, too,” said Bourgeois. “We all wanted to give our best to get the best outcome for our city.”

Bourgeois worked in baggage handling, security, and transportation at the airport while evacuations were ongoing, but his work didn’t stop at the airport. He also helped with cutting brush and driving dump trucks to clear areas at risk of wildfires.

“A lot of us had to step up and put on different hats, but the morale between anybody who stayed back and helped was very high,” he said. “Everybody got along and worked great together.”

Phil von Allmen, a correctional officer at the North Slave Correctional Complex in Yellowknife, assisted with the evacuation of inmates before he too began picking up new responsibilities. Fortunately, his extensive experience operating heavy equipment meant he could easily transition to creating firebreaks and clearing combustible materials to safeguard the city.

“There was quite a big volunteer base that stayed behind and a lot of people who, regardless of their experience level, were doing everything they could to help out,” said von Allmen. “There are a lot of people that love Yellowknife and love the North, and it was amazing to see all these people come together. I have a lot of pride for our community.”

Extreme weather conditions due to climate change have resulted in Canada’s worst wildfire season on record, with over 6,100 wildfires and more than 15 million hectares burned. Nearly 200,000 Canadians have been placed under evacuation orders at some point this year.

PSAC members in affected communities across the country have shown unwavering determination and unity, underscoring the resilience and sense of community that define the North.