NWT Premier R.J. Simpson says he sympathizes with the frustration felt by evacuees from Fort Providence and Whati, but emphasized that he has full confidence in the territory's firefighting apparatus.

Simpson released a statement following media coverage of former NWT MP Michael McLeod asking the premier directly in a Sept. 2 public meeting in Hay River to devolve firefighting responsibilities back to the federal government.

"Evacuees across the Northwest Territories are under immense stress right now, and the frustrations expressed by some residents of Fort Providence are understandable," the premier wrote. "It can be difficult to find comfort when your home and community are at risk, and there’s no sense of when you may be able to return to your normal life.

"Fire crews have worked re

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