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2003 Bulletin Archive

Wildfire Bulletin #38

August 28, 2003 - 10:00 AM

YUKON CONTINUES TO SUPPORT B.C.

WHITEHORSE - Yukon Wildland Fire Management is continuing to provide aid with the current forest fire situation in B.C., as Tuesday, 23 more firefighters from the territory were flown to the province.

"With our season slowing down it is important that we provide as much as assistance as possible," said Yukon Duty Officer Al Beaver. "The situation in B.C. is critical right now and our support is very much appreciated."

The Yukon firefighters will be joining several firefighters already working in B.C. The Yukon has also relocated both of their airtanker groups and shipped a variety of suppression equipment. Several Yukon fire management personnel have also spent time this summer working out of the territory.

"In the past month our aircraft have been flying 1-5 fires a day in B.C.," said Yukon Air Operations Supervisor Lorne Harris. "During an average season we will fly 40-50 fires, but this year we've already worked on close to 100."

There currently are over 760 forest fires burning in British Columbia and as a result over 179,000 hectares of forest has burned. In contrast, Yukon has had 69 fires this season that have burned 32, 411 hectares of forest. Last season there were also 69 fires in the territory that burned over 37,000 hectares.

Although the temperatures are cooling throughout the territory, fire officials are still reminding the public to be safe and responsible when conducting any kind of burning over the Labor Day long weekend. The public is also asked to be aware of any suspicious smoke and report it immediately by calling 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