Fires restricted in much of Yukon as weather warms

As of noon on Friday, burning only permitted in fire pits or other containers in most of territory

Fire restrictions have been issued for much of the Yukon ahead of the long weekend, as warmer weather increases the fire risk.

As of Friday at noon, fires for cooking or warming will only be permitted in fire pits or other containers, in the Whitehorse and Carcross areas, as well as the Klondike, Northern Tutchone and Tatchun regions. No other outdoor burning is allowed in those areas.

The level-3 fire restriction is the lowest on the territory’s restriction system, with level 1 being a complete ban on any outdoor fires.

Officials say the restriction was issued because hot and dry weather means wildfires can start easily and spread rapidly.

The weather forecast for much of the Yukon over the Indigenous Peoples Day weekend is calling for temperatures in the mid-to-high-20s, with occasional risk of thunderstorms in some areas.

As of Thursday afternoon, there were 27 active wildfires across the territory with 19 of them being actively fought, including the 27-hectare Crosby Creek fire, about 30 kilometers from Pelly Crossing. That lightning-caused fire was first identified on Monday.

Crews were also fighting the 50-hectare North Ferry Hill fire, about 11 kilometers northeast of Stewart Crossing, to keep it from spreading south.

They’re also responding to the 72-hectare Jeckell Creek fire, about 20 kilometers northeast of Rock Creek. The lightning caused fire was first reported on Saturday and as of Thursday afternoon the fire was being held.

The Top of the World Highway near Dawson City was also closed on Thursday afternoon, from kilometer 4 to kilometer 104, due to wildfire in the area. The ferry in Dawson City is still operating, and the campground and golf course are also open.

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