Current Fire Danger Ratings
Burning Restrictions
2008 Bulletin Archive

Wildfire Bulletin #25

July 18, 2008 - 11:00 AM

Permits Still Required with Rain Expected Across the Territory

Escapes from the burning of brush piles and debris both by the public and private contractors has been a leading cause of wildfires in the Yukon over the years. Burning irresponsibly or in the wrong conditions has lead to several fires this year alone. This coming weekend, fire danger ratings are expected to be low across the territory and officials from Wildland fire management say that these are ideal conditions to do any backyard burning that is required.

“We should be seeing a fair amount of rain across the territory this weekend which should allow for safe burning conditions,” said Duty Officer Dave Milne. “I would remind folks that a burning permit is still required and that the permit holder needs to call us before they light up.”

Please remember these Tips for a Safe Burn:

• Contact your local Wildland Fire Management office or Volunteer Fire Department before you burn.
• Check your permit to ensure that it is valid and that you are complying with the conditions
• Make sure that you have people and equipment on hand, and where available water to control your burn
• Only light as many brush piles as you can control
• Attend to all fires until they are completely out. Make sure they are out by spreading all the burned residue piles
• At the first sign of difficulty with controlling your burn call the Wildfire Report Line at 1-888-798-3473.

Burning permits can be obtained free of charge from your local Wildland Fire Management office. The city of Whitehorse has its own set of regulations that permit burning before April 1 and after September 30 only.

Please remember only to burn when the Fire danger rating is at the low level. The current Fire Danger Rating can be found by calling your local Wildland Fire Management office or our Wildfire Update line at 1-800-826-4750 or on the web at: http://www.community.gov.yk.ca/firemanagement/index.html.

The public is also reminded to be cautious of any wildfires they may notice and report them immediately to 1-888-798-FIRE (3473). This season, there have been 55 wildfires in the territory, burning approximately 15 000 hectares of forest.

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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
2008 Bulletin Archive