Efforts to protect structures and other assets from two growing fires near Dawson City are underway.
Evacuation alerts, meaning residents should be prepared to leave on short notice but aren’t being ordered out yet, remain in place for West Dawson and Sunnydale, all properties along the Top of the World Highway from kilometres 1 to 36 and Dempster Highway Cutoff and Henderson Corner, including all properties along the North Klondike Highway between kilometres 693 and 672.
According to the Yukon government update the size of the Quebec Creek fire was confirmed at 3229 hectares in size by aircraft flying its perimeter on June 22. The update states that the fire saw minimal growth towards Upper West Dawson remaining around 10 kilometres away, most of its activity was on its east side burning towards the Yukon River.
Heavy equipment built a dozer guard above the Deadwood drainage and similar work is going on near Sunnydale today. Structure protection including sprinklers and pumps is being placed on properties. According to the government’s update, these efforts will be bolstered by the arrival of a heavy structure protection unit from Alberta whose arrival is expected the evening of June 23.
The Top of World Highway, closed earlier due to fires, has reopened under an advisory that warns its status could change quickly due to the fires’ status. Travellers with RVs in the Dawson area are being asked to remain on the Dawson side of the river to alleviate pressure on the George Black Ferry and West Dawson.
The other major blaze in the area, the Mount Leotta fire is confirmed at 5931 hectares. June 22 saw most of this fire’s activity on its east flank burning towards Henderson Creek. Crews have been successful in keeping the fire south of the North Klondike Highway according to the most recent information released by the territorial government. The protection of power lines and stopping the fire from crossing the highway are stated objectives of fire crews in the area. More structural protection is being put in place in the area and the use of heavy equipment on fire guards is being assessed.
In response to the Leotta fire, the power line servicing Dawson has been de-energized leaving the town running on diesel and some houses along the North Klondike without electricity.
Vehicles have been able to use the North Klondike Highway intermittently while following a pilot car but according to 511 Yukon the piloted shuttles are suspended as of 3 p.m. on June 23. The latest update on the fire situation in Dawson states that the use of pilot cars will depend on conditions.
As smoke settles in over Dawson, it is being suggested that residents limit their exposure by seeking cleaner air indoors. Respirators marked with letter and number combinations, such as N95, KN95 and KF94 are suggested for those who must be outside. The Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in hall is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. this week as a clean air shelter and hub for information and the distribution of masks. Those experiencing shortness of breath, severe cough, dizziness, chest pain, or palpitations should seek treatment at the Dawson hospital.
Elsewhere in the territory the 500 hectare Lacelle Lake Fire burning about 30 kilometres north of the Aishihik Lake Campground has closed the Aishihik Lake road to all but essential traffic.
As of 3:30 p.m. on June 23 there are 63 active fires in the territory and 10,531 hectares have burned.
Contact Jim Elliot at jim.elliot@yukon-news.com
