Department of Community Services
2006 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
|
Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #19 July 04, 2006 - 9:05 AM Lightning Sparks New Fires in Watson Lake The Canada Day long weekend was quiet fire-wise throughout most of the Yukon except for Watson Lake where a rash of lightning ignited several new fires. Two wilderness zone fires near the Beaver River were confirmed on Sunday. As well, another new fire was reported yesterday near the West Coal River. A patrol is going out today to assess the fires. The current weather forecast is calling for sunny warm temperatures in central, southern and southeast Yukon for the next few days. With the forecast calling for more lightning in southeast Yukon and in anticipation of new fires, the DC-6 airtanker group has been recalled from Alberta and will be based in Watson Lake for the time being. The Firecat group will remain in Alberta for at least a few more days. Four Yukon firefighters are also still in Alberta working on fires near Ft. McMurray. Parts of Alberta and northern BC were hit hard again over the weekend with multiple fires ignited by lightning, stretching their resources to the limit. Several large fires are burning east of the Alaska Highway, south of Ft. Nelson, BC. Travelers wanting information on these fires can contact the Cariboo Fire Centre Information Officer at 250.969.2655 or the Prince George Fire Information Officer at 250.565.6990. Both airtanker groups from the Yukon have been assisting on fires in Alberta for the last week. “It’s been an extremely hectic week for our air attack officers and pilots,” said Yukon Duty Officer Mike Sparks. “With so many fires burning, they have been getting a tremendous amount of flying time to support crews on the ground,” he said. The resources were sent under the Mutual Aid Sharing Agreement (MARS), managed through CIFFC, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Through the agreement, fire agencies can ask for assistance from other provinces and territories and can assist others as required. Elsewhere, the Mt. Hansen fire is being held at 1293 hectares. The fire is gradually being demobilized over the next few days, and will continue to be monitored. The current fire danger is moderate to extreme around the Territory with the exception of Old Crow , Beaver Creek, Dawson and Ross River which are low. Wildland Fire Management would like to thank the public for continuing to report wildfires. -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |