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Department of Community Services
2003 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #19 June 24, 2003 - 12:30 PM SUPPRESSION EFFORTS CONTINUE ON EAGLE PLAINS FIRE WHITEHORSE - Fifteen Yukon Wildland firefighters are now working to contain the human-caused forest fire burning along the Dempster Highway in Eagle Plains. Early this morning a four-person crew from Teslin joined the eleven firefighters who have been fighting the fire since the weekend. An Airtanker also dropped three loads of retardant on the fire yesterday. Although the fire has increased to approximately 500 hectares in size, yesterday's wind patterns, along with the three loads of retardant, has been helpful in containing the fire's spread. Currently, it is approximately five kilometers from the Eagle Plains Lodge however, officials are confident no evacuations or road closures will be necessary. "The work by these 11 firefighters has been excellent considering the fire size," said Incident Commander Mike Sparks. "If we get another favorable day of weather, I expect the fire to be partially contained by Thursday afternoon." The fire, first reported Saturday night, is believed to have been the result of an abandoned campfire as a ring of rocks was discovered near the fire area. This fire is the 38th human-caused incident of the season. So far this season 40 fires have occurred and as a result approximately 2819 hectares of forest has burned. Meanwhile, fire officials continue to monitor the four fires burning near Kusawa Lake and the Wheaton River and the two located within the Dawson fire district. Of the four Kusawa and Wheaton River fires, only one currently has visible smoke. The two Dawson fires are located in remote areas and no identified values or structures are at risk. Also, a DC-6 Airtanker is enroute back to Dawson today after spending the weekend in Manitoba providing support with their fire activity. -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |