Department of Community Services
2009 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #37 July 28, 2009 - 2200 HRS Teslin River Fire Creates Large Column of Smoke Visible in Whitehorse Yukon Wildland Fire Management officials would like to inform the public that the large column of smoke visible from Whitehorse Tuesday evening was due to increased fire behavior on the Teslin River fire. The 4030-hectare fire burning 60 kilometres northeast of Whitehorse saw increased activity due to hot and dry conditions in the area. “We are monitoring this fire closely and have protected all values in the area,” said Duty Officer Mike Sparks. “The fire is burning in a remote area but will bring more smoke to the Whitehorse area this week especially in the evening when the fire is most active.” Fire officials are advising paddlers to avoid the Teslin River if possible due to the increased fire behavior. Two large columns are now burning on the east and west side of the river and a large amount of smoke is in the area as a result. Meanwhile, Tuesday afternoon fire officials implemented an open fire ban for the entire territory because of the current hot and dry conditions and the minimal precipitation forecast. The ban also applies to all campfires. The open fire ban is effective immediately and will be in place until further notice. The ban applies to all open fires and burning in any landfill or dump site in the Yukon; it also includes the use of fireworks. Wildland Fire Management and Parks officials will be enforcing the ban in campgrounds, landfills and dumps to ensure the ban is being complied with. Individuals not adhering to this ban may be subject to prosecution under the Forest Protection Act. The punishment is a fine; the amount depends on the judge. If the fire leads to a wildfire, the accused may also be liable for the suppression costs. The Carmacks, Mayo and Ross River districts are all at the extreme danger rating with Dawson, Haines Junction, Old Crow and Whitehorse rated high. Temperatures are forecast to be in the low thirties for the week in much of the Yukon, with the Carmacks district forecast to reach a high of 34 degrees. The public is advised that smoky conditions can be expected in much of the territory this week as the fire activity increases. In total, there are currently 30 active fires in the territory. The majority of these fires are burning in the wilderness zone and fire officials continue to monitor these fires closely. This season there have been 66 fires in the Yukon burning 83, 649 hectares of forest.
-30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |