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Department of Community Services
2005 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #54 September 16, 2005 - 9:00 AM 2005 Fire Season Winds Down As the 2005 fire season comes to an end, there have been a total of 82 fires throughout the Territory, compared to 282 fires last year. Compared to other years (since 1950), 2005 ranks 12th with respect to the number of hectares burned with a total of 214,938. The Dawson District had the most fires this season, with twenty two fires. No fires were reported in either Teslin or Beaver Creek this year. The first fire of the season was reported on April 23 and was caused by a spark from a campfire. Most of the fires of the fires in 2005 were caused by lightning. Lightning activity was above normal this year, but did not set any records for the number of strikes as it did in 2004. Much of the Yukon experienced above normal temperatures this summer. As well June, July and August saw southern Yukon record temperatures above normal while central Yukon was slightly below normal. Rainfall for this period was above normal for all stations except for Watson Lake. The fall forecast is calling for above normal temperatures for many parts of the Territory. Precipitation is forecast to be above normal in central and southern Yukon. The Shanghai fire, in the Mayo District was one of the season’s priority fires utilizing the most resources this year. Later in the summer Wildland Fire Management exported fire crews to Ontario on two separate occasions to help with firefighting efforts there. Suppression costs for 2005 are estimated at approximately $4.8million. Last season, over $20million was spent to manage fires in the Yukon. Meanwhile, Alaska experienced another very busy fire season with over 600 fires burning 1.82 million hectares. Wildland Fire Management assisted the Alaska Fire Service this year by providing airtanker support on both the Boundary Creek fire and several fires in Haines. The fire danger rating is currently low throughout the territory. Yukoners are reminded that burning permits are required for the burning of brush and debris between April 1 and September 30. Please contact your local district for information on obtaining a burning permit. For general information call 867-456-3845. 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). -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |