Department of Community Services
2009 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #17 June 15, 2009 - 11:00 AM City and Wildland Work Together to Extinguish Fire Three new fires were reported in the territory over the weekend with the most notable being a 0.2 hectare fire burning just north of the Whitehorse General Hospital. The fire, believed to be human caused was discovered Saturday night at around 8:00 p.m. by the City of Whitehorse Fire Department. Three initial attack firefighters were deployed by engine and worked together with city firefighters to quickly contain and extinguish the small grass fire. Two other fires were reported over the weekend in the territory in the Dawson and Ross River districts, respectively. Both fires were spot size and discovered Friday burning in wilderness zones. The lightning-caused incidents are not being actioned at this time as no values are at risk. A Yukon airtanker group actioned a fire in British Columbia on Saturday. The 80-hectare fire, burning 21 kilometres west of Coal River, was contained and BC crews are now working on the fire. On Sunday afternoon, the firefighting resources from B.C. and Alberta were returned to their home base after more than 10 days of providing assistance in the territory. A recent increase in activity in B.C. combined with a drop in the fire danger ratings in the territory was the reason for the recall. “The personnel from Alberta and BC were a huge asset while here and provided support on a number of fires during their deployment,” said Duty Officer Mike Sparks. “Being able to borrow staff from outside the territory was a major asset in dealing with our recent increased fire activity.” The large fire that had been burning 50 kilometres from Mayo was officially extinguished on the weekend and officials continue to monitor the large fire burning in a wilderness zone 90 kilometres from Dawson City. That fire remains more than 21, 000 hectares. In northern B.C, crews continue to make progress on the Smith River fire burning near the Alaska Highway. The fire has now been mapped at 23, 182 hectares in size and is still burning 18 kilometres from the Liard Hot Springs. The Alaska Highway is open at this time however, motorists should be prepared for delays because of heavy smoke in the area. Meanwhile, the open fire ban issued for the territory June 5 was lifted Friday afternoon. More seasonable temperatures and precipitation resulted in a drop in the fire danger ratings and subsequently enable the ban to be removed. The public is still urged to be responsible with fire and obtain a burning permit when planning to burn to grass, brush or debris. This season there have been 36 fires in the territory burning approximately 22, 290 hectares of forest. -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |