Department of Community Services
2009 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #18 June 18, 2009 - 10:00 AM Yukon Firefighters Sent to Alberta for Aid One new fire was reported Wednesday afternoon, burning approximately 15 kilometres northwest of Pelly Crossing. Tower personnel called in the 2-hectare fire at 12:30 p.m. Nine Initial Attack firefighters and one helicopter were deployed to the fire last night after preliminary action by an airtanker group from Whitehorse. The lightning-caused fire is still active and firefighters will continue to work on the fire today. Yukon firefighting resources will be sent to Alberta this afternoon to assist with the increased number of large fires burning in northern Alberta. Twenty-five firefighters and one Agency Representative will depart on an Air North charter flight for Fort McMurray this afternoon to join other resources from across the country in providing aid to the province. A DC-6 airtanker group and an Air Attack Officer were deployed to Manning, Alberta yesterday to work in northern Alberta as well. “Earlier this month, firefighters from B.C. and Alberta offered support in Yukon when our fire conditions were extreme.” said Duty Officer Dave Milne. “Now that activity has shifted to Alberta, we are happy to share our resources and provide what assistance we can.” Meanwhile, officials continue to monitor the large fire burning in a wilderness zone 80 kilometres from Dawson City. That fire remains more than 21,000 hectares in size. In northern B.C, crews continue to make progress on the Smith River fire burning near the Alaska Highway. The fire is mapped at over 23,000 hectares in size. The Alaska Highway is open at this time; however, motorists should be prepared for delays due to heavy smoke in the area. The open fire ban issued for the territory June 5 has now been lifted. More seasonable temperatures and precipitation resulted in a drop in the fire danger ratings and subsequently enabled 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 37 fires in the territory burning approximately 22, 647 hectares of forest. -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |