Evacuation alerts lifted for areas around Dawson City, Yukon
The alerts were first issued on June 20 as wildfires threatened the area
Evacuation alerts have been lifted for areas around Dawson City, Yukon.
The alerts, which were were first issued on June 20 due to threatening wildfires, included West Dawson, Sunnydale, Top of the World Highway kilometres 1 to 36, North Klondike Highway between kilometres 672 and 693, and from the Dempster Highway Cutoff to Henderson Corner.
A news release issued on Sunday evening announced the end of the evacuation alerts for each area.
The news release didn’t say why the alerts had been rescinded, but an update from around noon on Sunday said “due to recent weather, fires are showing minimal activity.” On Monday morning, the fire danger was listed at low to medium for most of the territory.
The alert — which is not an order for residents to leave their properties — requires residents to be prepared to leave quickly on short notice if necessary.
The noon update said there are a total of 28 active wildfires in the Dawson region.
The noon update on Sunday said that keeping the highways open is a priority, “however, due to fire activity, closures may occur on short notice.”
According to the 511 map as of Monday morning Top of the World Highway is open with a travel advisory.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Flight disruptions, unpredictable highway closures as Yukon fires continue, CBC News
Finland: Last week’s wildfires in Northern Lapland cost taxpayers more than €100k, Yle News
Norway: Smoke from Canadian wildfires forecast to reach Norway, The Associated Press
Russia: New NOAA report finds vast Siberian wildfires linked to Arctic warming, The Associated Press
Sweden: High risk of wildfires in many parts of Sweden, including North, Radio Sweden
United States: Wildfires in Anchorage? Climate change sparks disaster fears, The Associated Press
