Whitehorse Daily Star

More fires reported following thunderstorms

Monday’s thunderstorms, not unexpectedly, have sparked more wildfires around the Yukon.

By Whitehorse Star on July 20, 2021

Monday’s thunderstorms, not unexpectedly, have sparked more wildfires around the Yukon.

“Eight new fires were discovered yesterday in the Dawson, Ross River, Mayo, Haines Junction, and Carmacks districts,” government spokesperson Julia Duchesne told the Star this morning.

“With hot dry weather continuing today and about 1,600 lightning strikes in the territory in the past 24 hours, we expect some new fires today as well.” 

The most visible blaze is Carmacks fire 5, a 17-hectare lightning-caused fire, Duchesne added.

“CA-005 is burning 30 kilometres south of Pelly Crossing and 25 kilometres east of the North Klondike Highway, near Ta’tla Mun/ Tatlmain Lake.

“Smoke will be visible from Pelly and the highway today. Crews are on site monitoring the fire and putting protections in place for structures including the Selkirk First Nation healing camp and cabins in the area.”

Duchesne said crews are still working on the Aishihik Road fire, and reported no further growth in it.

“The road remains closed for now.”

Comments (2)

Up 5 Down 11

Ron Grady on Jul 21, 2021 at 2:41 pm

I have heard that the fire department has sent the bombers to BC.
We should have them here if we have fires.

Up 19 Down 7

Roland on Jul 21, 2021 at 3:18 am

These brave fire fighting crews should be awarded an all expense paid weekend in Dawson City at the end of fire season if they have been there for the duration.
The conditions these crews work in are unimaginable - choking on bugs and smoke.
The heat from the fire blistering skin as though one had been out in the sun or wind too long but what has really happened is a slow cooking of the individual.

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