Wildland Fire Management and fire departments across the Yukon have responded to four human-caused fires in the past 48 hours since a fire ban was put in place.
Last night members of the public called in fires at Grey Mountain in Whitehorse, the Midnight Dome in Dawson and one in Carcross. On Wednesday evening another fire was called in at Miles Canyon.
Wildland Fire is grateful to members of the public who called these fires in. In the case of the Grey Mountain fire, a member of the public called after smelling smoke and remained on the scene relaying information until the Whitehorse Fire Department arrived. This thoughtful action may have prevented a serious fire in a residential area.
A reminder that a level 2 fire ban is in place and fire danger ratings are high to extreme in many parts of the territory. Under the current fire ban, cooking and warming fires are only allowed in the provided fire pits and stoves at road-accessible territorial and commercial campgrounds. All other fire use is suspended.
Yukoners should also be aware of other activities that could produce sparks or heat that could generate wildfires. Avoid operating any motorized vehicle in tall grass and vegetation when the weather is hot and dry, never throw smoking materials from vehicles and be responsible when engaging in target shooting.
Thank you to those who called the Fireline 1-888-798-3473 (FIRE) to report illegal fires.
Contact
Haley Ritchie, Wildland Fire Management Fire Information Officer
867-393-7415 or [email protected]