Update June 4, 12:30 pm: Burning started Monday in the Hidden Lakes area and will continue this week, depending on weather conditions. Crews will begin the operation around 1 pm. Expect smoke.
Wildland Fire Management is planning a prescribed burn in the Hidden Lakes area. This burn was originally planned for May 20 but has been delayed due to weather. It is now scheduled for Monday, June 2. This project could be ongoing for up to two weeks.
Unlike grass burns, this operation will include low intensity fire in the understory of a section of forest. During active burning, significant smoke will be visible from Riverdale. Residents should expect emergency vehicles and wildland staff to be present in the area. Wildland crews will be patrolling the site with enough resources to put the burn out if conditions become unsafe.
For the safety of the crews and the public, access to Chadburn Lake Road may be restricted for short periods of time. Please follow signage and directions from firefighters if you are in the area.
These operations are carefully planned and take place during specific weather conditions. Prescribed fire operations are one way that Wildland Fire Management strategically reduces fire risk near communities. This area has already had a significant FireSmart treatment, but a low intensity burn will mimic the natural role of fire in the forest and reduce the risks of natural wildfire.
Burns will be shared with the public on Yukon Protective Services social media and the Wildfire Hub, accessible from Yukon.ca/wildfires.
Contact
Fire Information Officer, Wildland Fire Management
867-393-7415 or [email protected]