Department of Community Services
2009 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #31 July 20, 2009 - 1:00 PM Weekend Sees Three New Fires; Increased Activity on Existing Blazes Hot and dry conditions throughout much of the territory this past weekend resulted in three new fires as well as increased fire behavior on several large fires already burning. An overheated generator at the Top of the World Golf Course caused one new fire within Dawson City and was reported Friday evening by tower personnel. The spot fire spread to the surrounding grass and a 3-person Initial Attack crew was dispatched to the site. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire. Another fire in the Dawson district was detected by the MODIS satellite system and was confirmed Saturday shortly after 11:00 a.m. The 4-hectare lightning-caused fire, burning near the Ladou River, approximately 65 kilometres from Dawson City, poses no immediate threat to the two mining camps 8 and 11 kilometres away. Officials are monitoring the site and will map the fire. A second lightning-caused fire was reported by a member of the public on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in the Carmacks District. The fire, burning approximately 95 kilometres east of Carmacks, is 12.5 hectares in size, was actioned by two airtanker groups and three helicopters to prevent its spread towards values on the east side of Little Salmon Lake. The fire was successfully contained and Initial Attack firefighters worked the blaze late into the night and the following Sunday. Crews will continue mop-up today. A large fire burning near Little Salmon Lake, 65 kilometres east of Carmacks, had significant activity over the weekend and is estimated at 12,500 hectares in size. Aerial ignition was conducted on various areas of the fire on Friday to prevent its spread towards the Robert Campbell Highway. Burnout operations along the Little Salmon River were successful. Crews and helicopters continue to work jump fires across the Little Salmon River and are monitoring the area north of Little Salmon Lake for spot fires. Due to poor visibility from smoke, the Robert Campbell Highway was closed for brief periods of time Friday night as well as Sunday night. The power-line was also de-energized on Friday and electricity was supplied by generator, but was re-energized at 2:00 a.m. on Saturday. No values in the vicinity of the fire are at immediate risk; however, the Little Salmon Lake campground remains closed. “We are working closely with Yukon Highways & Public works, the R.C.M.P., and the Yukon Energy Corporation to ensure public safety and minimal disruptions,” said Yukon Duty Officer Lorne Harris. “We have made good progress on the fire, but it’s still very active, and we are doing our utmost to protect values in the area” Meanwhile, the Dawson District has also seen increased fire behaviour on a number of active fires. The large fire burning near Valley Creek, 90 kilometres south of Dawson city, is still very active. Structural protection on one value in the area has held. Elsewhere, the fire burning near Iron Creek, 120 kilometres south of Dawson City, was remapped at 19,000 hectares in size on Sunday. A mining camp in the vicinity is currently not at risk. Fire officials are monitoring all active fires in the Dawson District. The public is advised that smoke may be visible at times in the area from Dawson to Whitehorse because of the current fire activity. Motorists may also encounter delays and possible road closure on the Robert Campbell Highway depending on the fire behavior and the necessary work being undertaken by crews and officials in the area. Their patience is much appreciated. With the increase in activity and warming conditions forecast for the week the public is asked to be cautious when burning and report any wildfires they notice to 1-888-798-FIRE (3473). This season there have been 61 fires in the territory burning more than 74,255 hectares of forest. -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |