Department of Community Services
2009 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #13 June 09, 2009 - 11:00 AM City and Wildland Crews Extinguish Fire in McPherson Subdivision City of Whitehorse and Wildland firefighters were quick to respond to a small fire burning in the McPherson Subdivision Monday afternoon. The report of smoke was made by the Haekel Hill lookout tower just before 4:15 p.m. and crews were immediately dispatched. The City of Whitehorse Fire Department was first on site, followed by Wildland Fire Management Initial Attack crews by truck and helicopter. Firefighters worked together to extinguish the 0.1-hectare spot fire which is believed to have been human-caused and is currently under investigation. The McPherson fire was one of two human caused incidents reported Monday as crews also tackled a small fire burning in the Marsh Lake dump that was reported just after 6:30 a.m. A collaborated response was also made on this incident with the Marsh Lake and Golden Horn Volunteer fire department working with two Wildland Fire Management initial attack firefighters to extinguish the 0.1-hectare fire. “The obvious concern here is that both fires were human-caused despite the open fire ban,” said Duty Officer Lorne Harris. “In these conditions, even small fires like these, so close to communities, could be much more serious. We would like to thank local fire departments for their quick response and their support in putting out these fires. It’s fortunate we do have that strong working relationship between City and Volunteer fire departments and Wildland Fire Management.” 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 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 remains open however, motorists should drive with caution. In an effort to better contain the fire, officials are planning a burn-off on Wednesday that may increase smoke in the area and as a result, delays on the Alaska Highway are expected. Residents in the area have been notified of the situation. In Yukon, crews continue to make good progress on the fire burning 50 km west of Mayo. Daily observation also continues on the 21,600-hectare fire burning 90 km from Dawson City in a wilderness zone. This season there have been 16 fires in the territory burning approximately 21,835 hectares of forest. -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |