Current Fire Danger Ratings
Burning Restrictions
2003 Bulletin Archive

Wildfire Bulletin #24

July 07, 2003 - 9:30 AM

LIGHTING STRIKES A SQUIRRELS' NEST

WHITEHORSE -Yukon Wildland Fire Management firefighters in Dawson City spotted a fire on the hill across from the Dawson Airport early Saturday evening.

"It was likely a holdover fire caused by lightning that struck the area on June 29," said Yukon Duty Officer Mike Sparks. He added that it appears the lightning struck a tree and burned into a squirrels' nest. The fire smoldered unnoticed for a few days in the nest, and then flared up on Saturday.

A three-person initial attack crew, along with a helicopter, got to work on the spot-sized fire. The firefighters had it extinguished by Sunday.

Meanwhile, the 1600 hectare lighting-caused fire burning approximately 40 kilometres south of Fort McPherson has crossed the border into the Northwest Territories. The fire was started by lighting on Saturday June 28. "The fire is nestled in between some lakes and a river system, so it's contained to a large degree by nature," said Sparks. "However, the Northwest Territories fire centre is taking limited action." An eight-person crew and a helicopter from the Northwest Territories arrived on the scene on Saturday and worked on the fire until Sunday.

Of the 50 fires this season, only eight have been caused by lightning, while all the others have been caused by humans. The fires have burned over 4500 hectares of forest.

As we see with the fire in Dawson on the weekend, lightning-caused fires can smolder for a few days, and flare up once the weather gets warmer and dryer. If you see suspicious smoke or a forest fire, please call the toll-free wildfire reporting line at 1-888-798-FIRE (3473).

-30-

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