Department of Community Services
2003 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #29 July 22, 2003 - 10:15 AM LIGHTNING IGNITES THREE FIRES IN THE KLONDIKE ZONE WHITEHORSE -Dry conditions combined with increased lightning resulted in three new forest fires yesterday evening in the Dawson fire district, all of which are burning in remote areas with no identified values at risk. Shortly after 7:00 p.m. Dawson R.C.M.P. reported a forest fire burning 10 kilometres south of Dawson City near Indian River. Two airtanker groups actioned the four hectare fire, in addition to eight firefighters, a helicopter, a skidder, a water truck and two more trucks. Suppression efforts will continue today and containment is expected by this afternoon. Also at 7:00 p.m. last night, a fire was reported 50 kilometres southeast of Dawson near Preacher Creek. The fire is currently not being actioned as it is located in a remote area. The third fire reported yesterday evening is located near Mount Tyrell, approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Dawson. The fire is currently estimated to be three hectares in size and no action is being taken. "It is overcast and foggy in Dawson City this morning. However, when that clears we will be sending patrol planes to monitor these fires," said Duty Officer Mike Sparks. "We will also be sending a plane to Old Crow as we received a report of smoke near Engineer Creek." With last night's activity there have now been 60 fires in the territory and as a result over 5200 hectares of forest has burned. This morning, two Yukon Wildland Fire Management staff were deployed to B.C. to assist with their current fire situation. Al Beaver, a Fire Behavior Specialist, will be working out of the Kamloops Fire Centre, while Lorne Harris, the Head of Air Operations is enroute to Prince George. While in B.C., Harris will be operating the Martin Mars, the world's largest airtanker. The Martin Mars is capable of transporting up to 8,000 gallons of fire retardant. A Yukon airtanker group is also being sent to B.C. later today to provide additional support. The recent rain in the territory and the on-going low fire activity has enabled the Yukon to meet B.C.'s request for additional support. Under the Mutual Aid Resource Sharing agreement Yukon firefighters and aircraft can be recalled within 24 hours if needed. Contact: Fire Information Officer 456-3904 or 456-3905. -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |