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2008 Bulletin Archive

Wildfire Bulletin #27

July 25, 2008 - 12:00 PM

Yukon Firefighters to Assist British Columbia

18 initial attack firefighters and an agency representative from the Yukon are being sent to British Columbia this weekend to provide assistance with that provinces current fire situation. The Yukon staff is expected to remain down south for an estimated 14 days working out of either Prince George or Williams Lake.

“Right now our fire danger rating is low throughout the territory while in B.C. it is hot and dry,” said Yukon duty Officer David Milne. “With our current situation we can confidently send staff to B.C. to help out.”

The deployment of crews to British Columbia is made possible through the national Mutual Aid Resource Sharing (MARS) agreement. Under the agreement firefighting resources can be shared between provinces and territories on as needed basis. The agreement also allows resources to be returned within 24 hours if necessary.

Increased rainfall this summer throughout the Yukon has resulted in a quieter than usual fire season in the territory. So far this year there have been just 56 wildfires well below the season average of 101, whereas in B.C. there have already been an above average 982 wildfires this season.

This recent deployment is the fourth time this season the Yukon has sent resources to British Columbia for assistance. The Yukon-based airtanker groups have been relocated south three times this summer, including Prince and Revelstoke earlier this week. 

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Current Fire Danger Ratings
Burning Restrictions
2008 Bulletin Archive