Wildland Fire Management is planning to start annual prescribed burns in the Watson Lake area this spring. Burning could begin as early as May 8 and will continue through the month as conditions allow.
These operations are carefully planned and take place during specific weather conditions. The goal is to remove dry grasses and accumulations of slash close to communities and infrastructure. Prescribed fire operations are one way that Wildland Fire Management strategically reduces fire risk near communities.
Locations planned for burning include:
- Upper Liard (East of the River)
- Alaska and Robert Campbell Highway corridors
- Mt Maichen Ski Runs
- Wye Lake Wetland
- Watson Lake Airport and Fire Base
During a prescribed burn, people should expect to see signage and emergency vehicles in the area. When burning grassy areas, smoke can be visible but is usually light and short-lived. Wildfire crews are patrolling the site with enough resources to put the burn out if conditions become unsafe.
Burns will be shared with the public on Yukon Protective Services social media and the Wildfire Hub, accessible from Yukon.ca/wildfires.
For more information, please contact:
Fire Information Officer, Wildland Fire Management
867-393-7415 or [email protected]