Department of Community Services
2009 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #48 August 14, 2009 - 10:00 AM Airtanker Group Heads Home The DC-6 airtanker group is set to leave the territory on Saturday and return to Abbotsford, British Columbia. “This is the end of an above-average year for the airtankers,” said Air Operations Supervisor Lorne Harris. “They have flown numerous fires this year, not only in the Yukon but also across the border in B.C. and Alaska, as well as an 8-day export to Alberta on behalf of Wildland Fire Management.” The group will return to the Yukon at the onset of the next fire season. Existing fires have shown a decrease in activity due to lower temperatures and increased precipitation. Fire officials are still monitoring a number of fires closely should the current low fire activity change, including those burning on the south side of Teslin Lake, and the Little Salmon Lake fire 65 kilometres east of Carmacks. Resources are now shifting focus to the Firesmart™ program for the fall. Despite the change in conditions, the public is still urged to be cautious when conducting burning. Burning permits are still required for the burning of brush, grass or debris, and will be suspended if the fire danger rating is moderate of higher. When enjoying the outdoors, the public is reminded to extinguish campfires properly before leaving the area, by dousing the fire thoroughly and stirring until the ashes are cold to touch. The fire danger rating is now low to moderate across the territory. This mirrors the conditions in much of Canada except British Columbia, where conditions remain extreme. This season there have been 118 fires in the Yukon, burning an estimated 296,182 hectares of forest. -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |