Photo by Photo Submitted
BURNING AND GROWING – The fire near the Teslin River (69 kilometres northeast of Whitehorse and 29 km east of Lake Laberge) is now approximately 1,000 hectares in size, and smoke may be visible in the surrounding area. River travellers should note that the blaze begins approximately 10 km downriver of Teslin Crossing. Crews continue to monitor this fire closely. Photo courtesy YUKON PROTECTIVE SERVICES
An evacuation alert for kilometres 30 to 60 of the Robert Campbell Highway remains in place, according to the territory’s wildfire bulletin issued Sunday afternoon.
An evacuation alert for kilometres 30 to 60 of the Robert Campbell Highway remains in place, according to the territory’s wildfire bulletin issued Sunday afternoon.
The bulletin noted a fire at Poison Lake is now estimated to be approximately 10,700 hectares in size.
The evacuation alert notes that anyone in the area must be ready to evacuate within two hours of being notified.
“The highway is currently opened; however, a road closure is a possibility,” it’s noted.
“Watson Lake is not being affected but smoke may be visible in the area due to a decrease in wind.”
As stated in the most recent wildfire update: “Smoke may be visible in the Watson Lake area due to a decrease in wind. View health recommendations for when there is wildfire smoke in your area.”
A fire reported on Wye Lake in Watson Lake on Saturday was extinguished. The blaze had been caused by cigarette butts not being properly put out.
Along with the wildfire situation in Watson Lake, it was noted: “Hot and dry weather has increased fire activity and fire risk across Yukon.
“Four initial attack crews and support staff from Alberta arrived in Yukon to provide additional to Yukon. All Wildland Fire Management and contract initial attack crews have been called into action.
With Yukon crews working as many as 19 days straight, the estimated 16 Alberta arrivals will enable the Yukoners to have a couple of days off on a rotating basis.
“People travelling on the Teslin River, Stewart River, Yukon River and South McMillan River may be affected by nearby fires,” the bulletin says.
“Travellers should stay near the middle of the river and set up camp far from the fires.”
The bulletin then outlines the situation for specific areas.
It’s noted in the Whitehorse fire region there’s a 1,000-ha fire near the Teslin River, about 69 km northeast of Whitehorse, burning in a wilderness zone.
The blaze is being monitored, with protections being put in place for buildings in the area. Smoke may be visible from the city.
Meanwhile, in the Dawson City area, multiple wildfires are burning west of the town – and may be impacting mining in the area.
A fire near Maisy May Creek is about 6,000 ha big and in a wilderness zone, with structural protection in place. It’s being monitored.
Another blaze near Swede Mountain is visible from the Top of the World Highway. At about 225 ha, it’s also burning in a wilderness zone.
Another fire near Liberty Fork Creek is about 220 ha with protection put in place for several structures in the area.
Meanwhile, in the Ross River area, a 15,000-ha fire is burning in a wilderness zone near the South McMillan River. Protection has been placed around a camp in the area.
Finally, it’s noted in Mayo, there a 1,500-ha blaze approximately 53 km northeast of the community on the south shore of Mayo Lake.
It’s being monitored with sprinkler systems being set up around structures.
A total 26,882 ha have burned in the territory this season, with 17 fires active in the Yukon now.
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Comments (2)
Up 2 Down 1
Josey Wales on Aug 1, 2018 at 10:06 pm
Yes north...valid point.
*Trigger Warning*....duh seriously....Duh!
....and now for some serious sarcastic commentary.
Perhaps we need a cigarette registry, with federal identification required to use/smoke them...and serialized cigarettes?
Myself personally I would be willing to capitulate some personal freedoms if we could get the government tracking these dangerous killing cigarettes.
Now we have them “going off” and starting fires, these dangerous cigarettes? Perhaps some kind of locking device should be on each cigarette so it cannot cause such a danger to the public.
Oh I know...a federal smoking ban, ta da no more fires like this...ever again!
Smoking is not a right, it is a privilege.
Think of the wee seedlings, if we could save but just one...it would be worth it....no?
Was that cigarette set to smoulder or “full semi auto”.
I think only the police and military should be able to smoke, after all it IS the current year....why does one need to smoke anyways?
Studies suggest that if you have cigarettes in your home, where unlocked, kids can access them...chances of personal mortality are greatly increased.
We need a federal cigarette and smoking ban...clearly!
Please folks...for the love of (insert preferred fictional character) think of the saplings and call your local political blowholes and demand a cigarette registry....before you get burnt by irresponsibly stored cigarettes.
Does Mr. Dress Up know of this um ah uuum danger?
Trees are burning as we speak, does anyone hear....the forest cry?
I am of the opinion, biased yes, but still...when done properly and with a good mix of hilarity, valid cultural criticism, current events can be long “and” entertaining to read.
One need not agree with it all, nor any...those choices are for y’all.
Up 18 Down 1
north_of_60 on Jul 30, 2018 at 5:42 pm
Stop blaming inanimate objects for human caused mistakes. Those cigarette butts didn't wander out of their packs, light themselves and spark a fire. Careless irresponsible humans caused the fire, don't make excuses for them.