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66 Wildfires Burning in Territory

Monday, 29 July 2019 16:19

The Shanghai Creek Fire is currently burning at almost 6900 hectares (Photo courtesy of Yukon Protective Services)

According to the Yukon Fire Map, there are currently 66 wildfires burning in the territory. One recent fire start near Pelly Crossing was quickly put out by fire crews.

According to the Yukon Fire Map, there are 66 active wildfires burning in the territory.

According to a Yukon Protective Services update, an evacuations alert issued on July 2019 for kilometres 83 to 111 of the Silver Trail Highway has been rescinded. Personnel says firefighting efforts and favorable weather all have helped with fire suppression efforts. 

Despite the recent wet weather being seen across many regions,  Fire Information Officer Mike Fancie says crews continue to tackle  the Shanghai Creek Wildfire burning in the Mayo region.

"At this point and time, the fire has been smouldering on all flanks and we've completed a constructive fire guard on the southwest and northwest portions of the fire. There are still hot spots and we are continuing to scan for them while we control the perimeter."

Fancie says one recent fire start in the Pelly Crossing area has since been put out by fire crews.

"There was one human-caused fire in Pelly Crossing yesterday just outside of town that grew to 2.1 hectares in size. The fire was quickly identified to Wildland Fire Management  and we put that fire out."

Fancie says other notable fires in the territory also continue to be suppressed by wildfire crews.

"We continue to dig in at the Hunker Summit Fire, which is being observed as we continue mopping up in the area. There is a lot of work continuing  at the Volcano Mountain Fire, where structure protection that has been put in place is supporting crews to work on fuel modification and making sure nothing is under threat."

Weather stations around Haines Junctions, Carmacks and Watson Lake all have moderate fire ratings at this time.

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