Yukon Wildland Fire Management
Bulletin # 7
CONTACT: George Maratos
Fire Information Officer
RELEASE DATE: Friday May 22, 2015
1600 HRS
PHONE: 867-393-7415
CELL: 867-332-1928
SUBJECT: Yukon Wildland Fire Update
Smoke visible from fire on east side of Lake Laberge
Lightning has ignited a fire in the wilderness zone about 60 kilometers northeast of
Whitehorse, along Open Creek.
“This lightning sparked fire is in the wilderness zone and there is no immediate threat to
values,” said Yukon Duty Officer Mike Sparks. “A bird dog aircraft is assessing the fire this
afternoon and we will continue to monitor this fire.”
The fire was reported by the Haeckel Hill Lookout tower at 1400 hours today and is
approximately 150 hectares in size. Although the fire does not currently threaten any values, a
large column of smoke can be seen from vantage points on the Alaska Highway and Lake
Laberge area.
Two other lightning caused fires have been reported this afternoon in the Watson Lake district.
A 7 hectare fire is burning approximately 8 kilometers northeast of Wolverine Lake and a 5
hectare fire is burning along the Beaver River. Both are in the wilderness zone and continue to
be monitored by Watson Lake fire personnel.
The recent activity brings the total fires this season to 27.
Due to the current situation, forecast conditions and expected activity additional firefighting
support will be arriving from Ontario Saturday afternoon. The 72 initial attack crewmembers will
be briefed in Whitehorse and deployed throughout the territory as required.
Fire officials are reminding the public that burning permits are suspended across the territory
and will no longer be issued given the current conditions. A campfire ban has not been issued
for the territory but burning has been banned within Whitehorse city limits and Parks Canada
has banned campfires within the Kluane Park.
If you see a wildfire report it immediately to 1-888-798-FIRE (3473).
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Report Wildfires - 1-888-798-FIRE (3473)
yukonwildfire.gov.yk.ca