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2003 Bulletin Archive

Wildfire Bulletin #4

May 20, 2003 - 4:30 PM

2 FIRES OVER THE LONG WEEKEND AS DANGER RATING INCREASES

WHITEHORSE-Yukon Wildland Fire officials responded to two forest fires over the Victoria Day long weekend. The incidents, located in the Old Crow and Whitehorse fire districts, were both human caused and were initially responded to by First Nation contract crews.

On Saturday evening a four-person First Nation contract crew was dispatched to a 0.1 hectare fire located east of Old Crow. The fire, first reported by Old Crow RCMP, was believed to be the result of an abandoned campfire.

Also over the long weekend a four-person First Nation contract crew actioned a spot size fire near the fish ladder in Whitehorse Monday afternoon. Whitehorse Initial Attack firefighters equipped with a pumper truck were also on site to provide assistance.

"In both situations the firefighters had little difficulty containing the fires," said Regional Duty Officer Mike Sparks. "Firefighters conducted the necessary mop-up procedures and both fires are now declared out."

Dry conditions continue to push the fire hazard to the high to extreme level in the south west Yukon with no long term relief in the forecast.

"People need to be extremely careful if they are burning debris," said Sparks. "If they are planning to do any burning than they need to contact their local Fire Management office for specific burning conditions."

With this weekend's activity there have now been 10 fires throughout the territory. As a result 11.80 hectares have burned. Last year at this time five fires had burned 14 hectares of forest. All of this year's fires have been human caused.

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Current Fire Danger Ratings
Burning Restrictions
2003 Bulletin Archive