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Department of Community Services
2006 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #30 July 26, 2006 - 11:05 AM Crews Continue to Work on Beaver Creek Fire There was some new growth on the western flank of the Beaver Creek fire yesterday. The size is now estimated at 8000 hectares and an assessment will be done today to confirm the size. Crews were out on the line yesterday, doing direct attack on the southwestern edge of the fire with hose and pumps, but had to pull off when the wind shifted. Helicopters continued with burnoff operations and bucketing into the evening. There are currently 22 firefighters, five helicopters and four engines on the fire and additional resources have been requested. Beaver Creek received rain last evening, and the fire did get some showers which is good news for firefighters. Temperatures are expected to be slightly cooler today, with some showers in the forecast. A break in the weather for the next day or two will give ground crews a chance to continue securing the south and west flanks of the fire. Within Beaver Creek itself, work is being done to secure the community against the fire by establishing fire breaks, and setting up sprinkler systems. This activity will be the priority for firefighters today. While there is no immediate threat to Beaver Creek, these steps are being taken as a precaution. Several volunteer fire departments from around the Yukon will be working on these preparations over the next few days. Wildland Fire Management is meeting daily with community agencies to update them on fire status and daily firefighting plans. Community support has been very good. A smoke advisory for travelers was issued last evening. Travelers are reminded that conditions can change quickly and are asked to call the Yukon Road report for updated highway information, at 1-877-456-7623. Elsewhere, in Whitehorse, two new fires were reported by the public last night. A 0.3 hectare fire was ignited on the Tagish Tower Road when a downed tree snapped a power line. Several fire crews responded to the fire and the Firecats dropped one round of retardant on the fire. The fire will be cold-trailed this morning and will likely be called out later today. While responding to the Tagish Tower Road fire, Wildland Fire Management received another call reporting a fire on Richthofen Island at Lake Laberge. Four crew members from the Tagish Road fire were dispatched to Richtofen Island. The initial attack of the fire was initiated by the public before the fire crew arrived. An individual who lives in the area fought the fire with a hose, pump and bail bucket and was soon joined by three other boats. When the fire crew accessed the fire with a Whitehorse Search and Rescue boat, the fire was a partially contained and was soon called out. Air tankers were dispatched to the fire, but did not drop any retardant. The cause of the 0.2 hectare fire was determined to be a campfire. Wildland Fire Management would like to express their sincere thanks to the members of the public who helped to fight the fire. There have been 66 fires this year, burning a total of 95,503 hectares. The current fire danger rating is low to high throughout the territory. To report a wildfire, call 1-888-798-FIRE(3473). Wildland Fire Management thanks the public for their cooperation. -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |