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Department of Community Services
2003 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #3 May 14, 2003 - 2:00 PM FIRE OFFICIALS URGING CAMPFIRE SAFETY THIS LONG WEEKEND WHITEHORSE- A four-person first nation contract crew worked yesterday afternoon with the Tagish volunteer fire department on a .5 hectare fire burning within the Southern Lakes District. Officials believe the fire began when the wind reignited slash piles burned over the winter. "We were able to bring the fire under control within a few hours of it being reported," said Whitehorse Area Protection Officer Jim Kathrein. "As a precaution we are going to return to the area today with an infrared scanner to insure there are no problem hot spots." Yesterday's fire was the seventh of the year in the territory. A total of 11.77 hectares have burned as a result of these fires, all of which have been human caused. On average, 50 percent of all fires in the Yukon are a result of human carelessness, particularly abandoned campfires. Yukon Wildland Fire Management officials are expecting an increase in campfires over the long weekend and are urging campers and hikers to take care. "Even though the temperatures are currently low, the potential for forest fires is still there, especially with the recent wind activity," said Protective Services Planning and Science Supervisor Al Beaver. "It is important to only build a campfire as big as you need. A fire can easily be fanned if the wind kicks in." When building a campfire, choose your site carefully. Prepare your campfire by removing all leaves, twigs and other flammable material from the area. User a proper fire pit or make a ring of rocks at least three meters from shrubs, structures and debris. Keep your fire under control and prevent it from sparking into surrounding bushes and trees. Never leave a campfire unattended, and keep a pail of water close by at all times. Be certain your campfire is completely out before you go to bed or leave the area. Pour water on the fire and douse the site thoroughly. Stir the campfire until there are no embers and the ashes are cold to the touch. A simple recipe for campfire success is to just add water and stir until cold. People planning to have a campfire on territorial lands must obtain a campfire permit from their local district office. Also check with your municipal office for permit requirements within your community. -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |