Department of Community Services
2008 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #23 July 15, 2008 - 10:45 AM Firecat Airtankers Deployed to Prince George The Yukon-based Firecats airtanker group has been deployed to Prince George, British Columbia in response to an anticipated increase in fire activity in the area. The aircraft which consists of three planes and a bird dog support plane arrived in Prince George Monday evening at 8:00 p.m. “The Prince George area has seen an increase in lightning activity recently and our fire activity remains quite low,” said Yukon Duty Officer Mike Sparks. “We expect the aircraft to remain in B.C. for five days however, they can be recalled back to the territory earlier if necessary.” The sharing of resources between provinces and territories is made possible through the Mutual Aid Resource Sharing (MARS) Agreement. Under the National agreement resources can be recalled to their home base within 24 hours. This deployment marks the second time in recent weeks that the Firecats have been sent to British Columbia. On June 28 the aircraft went to Fort St. John to provide assistance. Currently the fire danger rating is low across the Yukon with the exception of the Old Crow which is moderate. This season there have been 53 wildfires in the territory burning more than 14,000 hectares of forest. Fire officials remind the public that they are required to obtain a burning permit to burn grass, brush or debris in the territory between April 1 and September 30. Burning permits can be obtained free of charge. Wildland Fire Management would like to thank the public for their continued cooperation in reporting wildfires. If you see a wildfire please call 1-888-798-FIRE (3473) -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |