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2006 Bulletin Archive

Wildfire Bulletin #20

7/5/2006 - 10:10 AM

Two New Fires in Watson Lake - Fires Temporarily Close Alaska Highway North of Ft. St. John

The Watson Lake District continues to be the hot spot in the Yukon for wildfire activity. Lightning has ignited a number of new fires in the last few days. Two new lightning fires were confirmed yesterday. Wildland Fire Management assessed most of the fires in the district yesterday, all burning in the Wilderness Zone. 

With the recent weather, conditions are dry and some of the fires that started earlier in the season have become more active and have grown larger. Wildland Fire Management will continue to monitor fire activity closely over the next few days. There are no values being threatened by any of the fires at this time. There have been twelve fires in southeast Yukon this season, burning approximately 8,000 hectares.

The DC-6 airtanker group was 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.

BC is feeling the effects of what is turning into an extremely busy fire season.  Much of the province is getting multiple fires starting daily and stretching their resources to the limit.  There are a number of fires in northern BC that are impacting travel on the Alaska Highway. Last evening, the Alaska Highway was closed 72 miles north of Ft. John due to fire activity, but has since reopened. Travelers planning to drive the Alaska Highway south of the Yukon border can visit http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/protect for the latest travel alerts.  For up to date wildfire information in BC, the number to call is 1-888.336.7378.
 
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 low to moderate around the Territory with the exception of Watson Lake which is high.  Wildland Fire Management would like to thank the public for continuing to report wildfires.

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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
2006 Bulletin Archive