Increased lightning activity has resulted in more fires in the Yukon, according to the latest wildfire update.
Dry, windy conditions led to two fires growing substantially in the Beaver Creek fire district, per the territory’s wildfire hub. While smoke from the fires might be visible, they are considered in the “wilderness zone” and don’t currently pose a risk to structures. Crews are hunkering down with a helicopter in Beaver Creek to monitor fires and be ready for structure protection as needed.
The wildfire hub advises that an out-of-control wildfire burning about 30 kilometres northeast of Ross River and five kilometres east of North Canol Road is expected to grow in the coming days. A crew is working on protecting a building. The crew is keeping an eye on the fire and assessing values that aren’t as close right now. The smoke will be seen from Ross River.
Fire information officers are also advising the public about prescribed burns, a fuel management technique used to limit wildfire risk, before they take place.
A bulletin notifies that prescribed burning in the Watson Lake area will start as early as June 10.
The effort is intended to take away hazardous dry grass from around the airport and the east side of the Liard River near Upper Liard, per the bulletin.
The airport will stay open, but the airport loop will close during the burn, which is expected to occur over the week, depending on conditions.
“People will see smoke from the burn sites. This is normal. Wildfire crews are patrolling the site with enough resources to put the burn out if conditions become unsafe,” reads the bulletin.
A prescribed burn to remove flammable grassy fuel from the ground of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun Old Village, located across the Stewart River west of Mayo, was slated to commence as soon as June 5. The plan was to encircle the old village with hose and wet it down to prevent the burn from spreading outside the targeted area. Crews expected the work to last a couple of days, with the timing tied to conditions.
“Removing the grass around buildings in the Old Village will support the growth of fresh, green grass that is less likely to ignite from wildfire embers than the older, drier grass currently on the ground,” reads the bulletin.
In Dawson City, a notification from the city states the fire department, with the assistance of other agencies, will be delivering emergency information kits in the community this week.
Across the Yukon, seven wildfires are burning, with one modified response and six under monitored response. Nine fires have been put out, according to the wildfire hub. Most of the total approximately 13,759 hectares burned have been in the Beaver Creek fire district.
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com
