Department of Community Services
2009 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #32 July 21, 2009 - 11:00 AM Three More Fires Discovered Monday Three new lightning caused fires were discovered in the territory Monday bringing the current active fires total to 30 and the season fire tally to 64. The first incident Monday was located in the Old Crow district approximately 118 kilometres southeast of Old Crow near Bell River and was picked up by MODIS satellite just after 3:00 p.m. The 50-hectare fire is now being monitored by fire officials, as it is currently not threatening any values. Shortly after the Old Crow fire was confirmed a second fire was discovered in the Dawson district burning in the wilderness zone. The 3.0-hectare fire is located 133 kilometres southeast of Dawson City near Britannia Creek and does not currently pose a threat to any values. The third fire Monday was reported in the Mayo district near Reid Lakes and was actioned by Wildland Fire Management as it is located approximately 15 kilometres from the McQuesten River Lodge. Airtankers were immediately deployed to the fire along with a 1x5 Initial Attack crew. The fire is now contained and expected to be fully extinguished Tuesday. Meanwhile, a number of fires in the territory remain active. The large fire burning in the Carmacks district 65 kilometres east of the community is now an estimated 13, 600 hectares and continues to show aggressive fire behavior. On Monday, the fire took a run on the east side to Little Salmon Lake. Firefighters were successful in providing structural protection on identified values in the area and the Robert Campbell Highway was able to remain open Monday. Safety remains the priority and motorists are advised they may encounter delays and possible closures. No values in the vicinity of the fire are at immediate risk; however, the Little Salmon Lake campground remains closed. 24 firefighters, 4 helicopters and several senior fire specialists remain on site and Wildland Fire Management personnel are working closely with the R.C.M.P., Yukon Highways & Public Works, and the Yukon Energy Corporation to ensure public safety and minimal disruptions. “The Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation has offered excellent support and cooperation to Wildland Fire Management,” said Yukon Duty Officer Mike Sparks. “They assisted us in setting up a camp over the weekend and have provided us with equipment, staff and use of their facilities. That kind of cooperation has been a major asset to our suppression efforts.” A 12.4-hectare holdover lightning caused fire, discovered July 18, remains active and is burning 95 kilometres east of Carmacks. 11 firefighters and two helicopters continue to make good progress. In the Dawson district fire officials continue to monitor a number of fires that remain active. The large fire burning in the Valley Creek area approximately 90 kilometres south of Dawson City is now estimated to be more than 24,000 hectares and structural protection remains in place for one identified value. Officials also continue to monitor two large fires burning near Iron Creek approximately 115 kilometres south of Dawson City. The fires are burning in the wilderness zone with no values currently at risk. A 1400-hectare fire also continues to burn 50 kilometres west of Dawson City in the wilderness zone. In the Whitehorse district, the large fire burning 60 kilometres northeast of the city is now 2200 hectares in size and continues to burn on both sides of the Teslin River. Identified values in the area have been successfully protected and paddlers are asked to avoid the area of the fire if possible or limit their travel to the morning when the fire is least active. The public is advised that smoke may be visible at times in the area from Dawson to Whitehorse because of the current fire activity. 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 64 fires in the territory burning more than 75, 408 hectares of forest. -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |