Current Fire Danger Ratings
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2005 Bulletin Archive

Wildfire Bulletin #53

August 26, 2005 - 3:00 PM

Airtankers Return to BC

The FireCat airtanker group is leaving the Yukon today for Abbotsford, BC where they are based. The airtankers and birddog aircraft have finished their 3 month contract as of August 26.They arrived in the Yukon on May 26. Last week, the DC-6 group returned to BC after completing their contract. That group, which was based in Dawson for a good portion of the fire season, arrived in the Territory on May 16th.

Compared to 2004, the airtankers were not nearly as busy in 2005. Both groups logged a total of 523 hours, compared to 1384 hours last year, which was the busiest fire season in Yukon history. The airtankers actioned a total of 23 fires this season. Also this year, the airtankers saw some cross border action when they assisted with several fires in Alaska, including the Boundary Creek fire and the recent fires in Haines.

 As the 2005 fire season winds down, there have been a total of 82 fires so far.  Sixteen fires are still active, most of them burning in the Wilderness Zone. This time last year, there had been 273 fires in the Yukon.

In other news, travelers on the Dempster Highway may encounter smoky conditions and reduced visibility from forest fire activity between km 198 (the Ogilvie River) through to km 365 (Eagle Plains). As well, the Moose Creek fire, burning near the Alaska border is creating smoke on the Top of the World Highway at approximately km. 90 in the area near the Little Gold Customs station.

For current information on highway conditions call Highways and Public Works at 1-877-456-7623.

Wildland Fire Management wishes to thank the public for their continued help in reporting wildfires.

To report a wildfire call 1-888-798-FIRE (3473).

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For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750
Report Wildfires - 1-888-798-FIRE (3473)

Current Fire Danger Ratings
Burning Restrictions
2005 Bulletin Archive