Update June 9, 11:00 am: Please be advised the prescribed burn will not go ahead today due to the wind activity in the Southern Lakes area. We will update our public communications. Burning will be rescheduled if conditions are favourable.
The current weather forecast may create favourable conditions for prescribed burning work on the Whitehorse South Fuel Break next week. Burning could start as soon as Monday, June 9, depending on conditions.
Crews will be burning debris remaining from work done on the Mary Lake fuel break site. This operation will produce significant gray smoke. While we always aim to avoid smoky conditions in subdivisions and the Alaska Highway, the smoke from this burn will be visible from many parts of Whitehorse.
As with all prescribed burning, the plan protects the public with specific safety measures and weather conditions. Burning will take place when the conditions are appropriate over the next two weeks.
In a recent survey conducted for Wildland Fire by the Yukon Bureau of Statistics, 76 per cent of Whitehorse residents agreed with the use of prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk. Wildland Fire appreciates public support for prescribed burning and is communicating with you about the upcoming burn in the following ways:
- This notice
- Paid advertising on the radio and social media
- Posted copies of this notice in Alaska Highway subdivisions
- Notifications for local governments and community associations
- Public education about how prescribed burns are planned and implemented
During the prescribed burn, firefighters will be active in the area south of Mary Lake. Trails will be open but please follow firefighters' instructions. If you have specific concerns about smoke please talk to your healthcare professional or call 8-1-1.
Contact
Fire information officer
867-393-7415 or [email protected]