Despite lower temperatures and shorter days in the fall, windy conditions and dry fuels can create wildfire risk. This week, Wildland Fire Management responded to a 0.1-hectare wildfire caused by an abandoned campfire on an island in Marsh Lake.
September 30 marks the legal end to fire season each year. Between October 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027, you do not need Yukon government permission to burn forest materials like piled brush.
This past long weekend 21 new wildfires – almost all lightning caused – were detected across the Yukon, including 15 in the Dawson area. Strong detection efforts combined with aggressive initial attack have led to good success.
Update: the Chadburn Lake Road prescribed burn has been postponed until the week of June 1.
Wildland Fire Management crews will conduct prescribed burns in the Whitehorse area over the next two weeks.
May 7 update: Watson Lake burning has been delayed due to windy weather. Crews will try to complete Watson Lake burning between May 19 and June 19.
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Wildland Fire Management reminds all residents that you need permission to burn organic debris outside of municipal boundaries between April 1 and September 30.