Current Fire Danger Ratings
Burning Restrictions
2003 Bulletin Archive

Wildfire Bulletin #8

June 03, 2003 - 11:00 AM

WHEATON RIVER FIRE RESIZED BY OFFICIALS

WHITEHORSE - The forest fire burning along the Wheaton River between Mount McNeil and Mount Ward has been reassessed by Yukon Wildland Fire Management personnel and is now estimated to be 40 hectares in size.

"When conditions are smoky, like it was the first burning day, it is difficult to assess an accurate fire size," said Fire Prevention Coordinator Dave Milne. "Under these circumstances it is not unusual for the size of the fire to be over or under-estimated."

The human caused fire was reported Sunday afternoon by a Fire Management helicopter on a routine patrol flight and was initially estimated to be 70-100 hectares in size. The helicopter, along with a three-person initial attack crew, were the first to assess the fire.

"Currently the fire is burning in a wilderness area with no values at risk," said Milne. "However, we have drawn up some containment plans in case the fire begins moving down the valley."

The total of 18 fires in the territory this season have burned approximately 52 hectares of forest. All but one of the fires have been caused by people. On average, humans are responsible for 50 percent of all forest fires in the Yukon.

With the winds and warm temperatures in the forecast today, and the fire danger rating for Whitehorse and Haines Junction still remaining at Extreme, the public is asked to use caution when conducting any kind of burning.

Please report any wildfire activity to the toll-free wildfire reporting line at 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
2003 Bulletin Archive