Department of Community Services
2009 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #11 June 05, 2009 - 2:00 PM Firefighters Quick to Respond to Spot Fire in Carmacks A human caused fire in Carmacks was quickly put out this morning by a three-person Initial Attack crew. The fire, reported just before 8:00 a.m. by a member of the public, was the result of an improperly extinguished campfire at the downtown Carmacks campground. Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the site and doused the spot size fire (fires covering less than one hectare). Members of the Initial Attack crew were part of the 21 firefighters from British Columbia who arrived Tuesday afternoon to help deal with the expected extreme fire conditions throughout the territory. “This fire was a concern because of its close proximity to values in Carmacks,” said Duty Officer Lorne Harris. “It has been hot and dry, and even a small fire like this has potential to become more serious without quick action. We would like to remind the public to properly put out their campfires, and in such extreme conditions, to avoid having one, if possible.” Meanwhile, two fires continue to burn in the Mayo and Dawson districts. The Mayo fire has experienced no new growth, but has been more accurately mapped at 173 hectares in size. The fire, burning 14 km west of Moose Creek Lodge, is being actioned by 29 firefighters and two helicopters. The Dawson fire, 90 km southeast of Dawson City, remains at 15,400 hectares and burns in a wilderness zone with no values at risk. Wildland Fire Management Officials continue to monitor the fire daily. Yukon Wildland Fire management also sent a structural protection unit to the Smith River fire Thursday afternoon following a request from the British Columbia Forest Service. The fire is now 16,500 hectares in size and burns 18 km from Liard Hot Springs. While the Alaska Highway between Watson Lake and Fort Nelson has been re-opened, local traffic control has still been posted in case of change in the fire’s behaviour, and motorists in the area can expect possible delays. 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 are currently suspended across the territory. The city of Whitehorse has instituted a ban on open-pit fires; however, barbeques are still permitted. Campfires are permissible but not recommended at this time. This season there have been 12 fires in the territory burning approximately 15,635 hectares of forest. -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |