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Department of Community Services
2003 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #28 July 21, 2003 - 9:30 AM YUKON CREWS TO BRITISH COLUMBIA WHITEHORSE - Seventeen Yukon Wildland Fire Management firefighters left this morning to aid with the current fire activity in Merritt, British Columbia. "The cool, wet weather in the forecast for much of the territory enables us to offer help to B.C.," said Yukon Duty Officer Gordon Dumas. "We've had a slow season so far, and the crews are well rested and prepared." The Yukon firefighters, along with crews from Ontario, the Northwest Territories and New Brunswick, are a part of 100 firefighters requested by B.C. under the Mutual Aid Resource Sharing agreement. The province has also requested Yukon's DC-6 airtanker group, which will head out tomorrow morning. The airtanker will be stationed in Prince George, B.C. The weather in B.C. is currently very hot and dry, which raises the fire danger rating. As of Saturday, the total of 771 fires in B.C. this season had burned over 8000 hectares. Of these, 158 fires were active on Saturday. The Yukon firefighters and the airtanker are expected to stay for about two weeks in B.C. "However, should the need arise, we can quickly recall them," said Dumas. The airtanker can be recalled within 24 hours, and the crews would take less than three days to come back to the Yukon. Dumas added that Yukon's three Firecat Airtankers have been repositioned to Dawson City while the DC-6 is away. Meanwhile, fire officials are pleased to report that no new fires were reported in the Dawson area over the music festival weekend. However, two new fires were reported Friday. A human-caused fire near Tatliman Lake in the Pelly Crossing area has been declared under control. Crews continue to monitor the 0.8 hectare fire. On Friday evening, Yukon Wildland Fire Management firefighters aided the Carcross Volunteer Fire Department in putting out a small lightning-caused fire in the Watson Subdivision in Carcross. The public's role in reporting fire is essential. Of the 57 fires this season, 28 have been reported by alert citizens. These fires have burned over 5200 hectares of forest. This time last year, 57 fires had burned 36,225 hectares of forest. If you see suspicious smoke or a forest fire, please call the toll-free wildfire reporting line at 1-888-798-FIRE (3473). Contact: Fire Information Officer 456-3904 or 456-3905. -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |