Prescribed fire planned to reduce Whitehorse’s wildfire risk

August 29, 2022

Wildland Fire Management staff are planning another prescribed fire operation in the Mary Lake area. A test burn on Aug. 30 will confirm whether conditions will allow for the operation on Wednesday and Thursday. Like all prescribed fire, this work takes place under strict weather and safety conditions to minimize risk to the public.

Crews will use prescribed fire to remove slash left over from last year’s fuel reduction work to make the Mary Lake Shaded Fuel Break more effective and create good growing conditions for the aspen trees that will be planted in the area next year.

The Mary Lake Shaded Fuel Break is part of the Whitehorse South Fuel Break. This is a strategic fire guard that reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfire to the city and surrounding subdivisions.

While burning takes place, smoke will be visible from the work site. Public access will be limited to the area while Wildland Fire Management vehicles and staff are at work.

Contact: 

Haley Ritchie

Fire Information Officer, Wildland Fire Management
867-393-7415 or YukonFireInfo@yukon.ca