Current Fire Danger Ratings
Burning Restrictions
2003 Bulletin Archive

Wildfire Bulletin #10

June 06, 2003 - 10:00 AM

SECOND FOREST FIRE OF THE YEAR IN DAWSON

WHITEHORSE - A small human caused fire in the Klondike district kept two Dawson three-person initial attack crews busy late yesterday afternoon.

The fire was first reported by a passerby who noticed smoke in the West Dawson area along the Top of the World highway. Crews were quick to action the 10 by 10 metre fire.

"Thanks to the quick response of the crews and the five millimetres of rain they received last night the fire is now just smoldering," said Duty Officer Lorne Harris. "Crews will be returning today to finish mop-up and the fire should be out later today."

No significant growth has occurred on the large fire burning east of Kusawa Lake in a remote wilderness area. The fire, first reported Wednesday afternoon, remains at 120 hectares and personnel continue to monitor it. Firefighters are still working on the fire burning along the Wheaton River between Mt. McNeil and Mt. Ward. Weather conditions have been favorable and no growth has occurred on the fire currently 95 hectares in size. An investigation is on-going as to the cause of the fires.

So far this season 22 forest fires have been reported throughout the territory. As a result, approximately 283 hectares of forest have been burned. At this time last year there had been 18 fires and 27 hectares burned. Of the 22 fires this season, all but one have been caused by people.

Officials are urging anyone planning to burn to exercise caution. Although there are currently no campfire or burning restrictions, there is still potential for fires due to the dry conditions throughout the territory.

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