Department of Community Services
2009 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #46 August 07, 2009 - 3:00 PM Open Fire Ban Lifted Due to cooling temperatures and forecast precipitation, Wildland Fire Management Officials lifted the open fire ban today at 2:30 p.m. “Even though the ban is lifted, we are urging the public to still be very cautious when doing any kind of burning,” said Yukon Duty Officer Mike Sparks. “People should only burn if absolutely necessary, if they have a permit, and should be cautious with campfires. While things are cooling off at the end of the year, many places are still dry, and careless burning could lead to more human-caused wildfires. Please ensure your fires are completely extinguished before leaving the area.” When putting out a campfire, the public is reminded to douse the fire thoroughly, and stir until the ashes are cold to touch. Burning permits are required for the burning of brush, grass, or debris, and are suspended if the fire danger rating is moderate or higher. A number of active fires in the Watson Lake, Teslin, Carmacks, Dawson and Whitehorse districts continue to be monitored by officials and actioned when necessary. The priority remains protecting communities and other identified values, as well as maintaining the safety of firefighters. An evacuation alert is still in place for some citizens living in or visiting the area along Little Salmon Lake and the Magundy drainage corridor adjacent to the Robert Campbell Highway due to the Little Salmon Lake fire. Those residents who have yet to check in are asked to do so at either of the information stations on the highway or by calling the Carmacks Wildland Fire Management Zone Office, at (867) 863-5271. The evacuation alert is a precautionary measure to prepare residents in case an evacuation is necessary. A radio station (105.5 FM) has been set up in Teslin so residents can obtain the latest information on the wildfires burning in the area. Public information sites are also set up throughout the community. Due to the current conditions in the Yukon fire officials are asking hunters to avoid areas with fire activity, or to delay their trips until the fire situation eases. A map showing the current fire locations is posted at the department of Environment office at 10 Burns Road in Whitehorse. A smoky haze remains in much of the territory, and although the smoke has dissipated in some areas these conditions can be expected to continue pending fire activity. Motorists should also prepare for delays and possible closures on the Robert Campbell Highway and Nahanni Range Road due to existing fire activity. Further road conditions information can be obtained by calling 511 or visiting yukon511.ca. This season there have been 116 fires in the Yukon burning an estimated 230,977 hectares of forest. -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |