Residents of the Northwest Territories capital were ordered on Wednesday to leave the city as soon as possible, but no later than noon on Friday.

Emergency workers began leading convoys away from Yellowknife’s northern area where a wildfire, as of this morning, was just 16 kilometres away and suggest it could be on the outskirts by the weekend.

The province of Alberta has begun opening up reception areas for affected residents, the closest of which is 1,000 kilometres away from Yellowknife.

British Columbia says it is ready to help where it can, as it continues to battle its own terrible wildfire season.

Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane said in a statement, ”We’re all tired of the word unprecedented, yet there is no other way to describe this situation in the Northwest Territories. The country is watching, and our neighbours are keeping us in their thoughts and prayers.”

She went on to say, ”Now more than ever is the time to ask for help if you need it and to work together.”