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Department of Community Services
2009 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #12 June 07, 2009 - 5:00 PM Quick Response on Small Fires in Faro and Carcross. Firefighters were quick to respond to two separate human caused incidents Sunday in the territory. The first fire was reported by a member of the public and was burning in the Ross River district near Faro. The spot size fire (less then a hectare) was immediately actioned and extinguished by initial attack firefighters. The second fire Sunday, also reported by a member of the public, was burning in the Whitehorse district near Montana Mountain in Carcross. Upon confirmation of the fire, initial attack firefighters were immediately deployed by helicopter and worked with the Carcross volunteer fire department to quickly contain and put out the 0.1 hectare fire. “Both these fires were human caused and that is very disconcerting with the current conditions in the territory and the fact an open fire ban is now in effect,” said Duty Officer Lorne Harris. “Although small in size both these fires were close to communities and could have been much more serious situations if not for the quick response.” Fire officials are reminding the public that an open fire ban remains in effect throughout the territory until further notice. As a result, all open fires, including campfires, the use of fireworks and burning in any landfill or dumpsite is prohibited. Campfires are still permitted in designated campgrounds with approved fire burning devices such as metal-ringed fire pit. Burning is also still allowed with closed cooking utensils such as barbecues and small cook stoves. Meanwhile, the smoke that may presently be visible in parts of the territory including Watson Lake, Mayo, Dawson City, Whitehorse and surrounding areas is the result of large fires already burning in the Yukon and northern B.C. Depending on the wind and fire activity this smoke could be present for the next few days. Good progress continues to be made on the Smith River fire burning in northern B.C. At this time, the Alaska Highway is open however, motorists should drive with caution. In the Yukon, crews continue to make good progress on the fire burning 50 km west of Mayo. Daily observation also continues on the large wilderness zone fire burning 90 km from Dawson City. This season there have been 14 fires in the territory burning approximately 15,636 hectares of forest. -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |