Current Fire Danger Ratings
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2007 Bulletin Archive

Wildfire Bulletin #16

June 20, 2007 - 10:40 AM

Outside Resources to Assist with Increased Activity

Firefighting resources from Alaska and British Columbia are being deployed to the Yukon to assist with the recent surge in wildfire activity in the territory.

This afternoon, 12 three-person Type 1 Initial Attack crews from the Northwest Fire Centre in Smithers, British Columbia will be arriving, along with an airtanker group from British Columbia consisting of four firecats. A 20-person Hot Shot crew from Alaska is also arriving today to provide suppression support.

Over the past 24 hours there have been three new fires reported in the territory all which were lightning caused, bringing the total number of active fires to 12.

In the Mayo district a 0.3 hectare fire was discovered approximately 25 kilometres northeast of Mayo between the Mayo and Janet Lake. Four firefighters were dispatched and good progress was made and as a result it is expected the fire will be extinguished later today.

The Dawson fire district reported two new fires (DA-06-07, DA-07-07), Tuesday. These fires are one hectare and five hectares in size respectively and are burning within the same vicinity as DA-05-07, which was first reported Monday near the Upper Ladue River. This is a remote area identified as a wilderness zone, however, because there are two mining camps in the area today officials will be onsite to assess the situation further and develop a structural protection plan.

Meanwhile, good progress is being made on the fire burning 13 kilometres northeast of Beaver Creek (Snag Creek Fire) and officials are reporting no growth in size. On Tuesday, 15 firefighters worked the fire from the ground with air support from three helicopters. Later today the 20-person crew from Alaska will be providing further assistance.

With this most recent fire there have now been 27 fires in the territory this season, burning more than 4600 hectares of forest.

With the fire danger rating currently extreme in the Carmacks, Mayo and Dawson fire districts and increased lightning expected in much of the territory officials are preparing for a possible increase in activity. The public is asked to do their part and be cautious with any kind of burning and report any wildfires they notice to 1-888-798-FIRE.

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For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750
Report Wildfires - 1-888-798-FIRE (3473)

Current Fire Danger Ratings
Burning Restrictions
2007 Bulletin Archive