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Department of Community Services
2008 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #26 July 23, 2008 - 10:15 AM Airtanker Groups Sent South to Assist British Columbia The Yukon-based Firecats and DC-6 airtanker groups were sent to Prince George, British Columbia Wednesday morning to provide assistance with a recent increase in fire activity in the province. The DC-6 group is expected to remain in Prince George, while the Firecats will be relocated to Revelstoke. The exact location of the aircraft could change however depending on the need. “Right now B.C. has seen a spike in activity and with our fire danger rating being low throughout most of the territory we are able to answer their request for support,” said Duty Officer Dave Milne. “The airtankers are expected to be down south for six days but that could be extended if necessary.” In the past 24 hours there have been 24 new wildfires detected in B.C. including a 400 hectare fire burning out of control near Cranbrook, whereas the fire activity in the Yukon remains minimal with one small abandoned campfire in the Carmacks district being the only recent activity. That fire is burning in a wilderness zone 70 kilometres west of Pelly and there are no values at risk. The deployment of the airtankers to British Columbia, the third time this summer, was done through the Mutual Aid Resource Sharing (MARS) agreement which allows resources to be shared between provinces and territories. Under the agreement the airtankers can be returned to the territory within 24 hours if necessary. So far this season there have been 56 wildfires in the territory burning more than 15,000 hectares. 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. -30- -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |