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50 Wildfires Now Burning in Yukon

Friday, 19 July 2019 14:29

The Flat Creek fire near Mayo is now burning at 350 hectares.

Yukon Wildland Fire Information Personnel note that seven new wildfires in central Yukon brings the total number of wildfires burning in the territory to 50.

According to the Yukon Fire Map, there are currently 50 wildfires burning in the territory.

Fires Near Mayo

In a statement, Yukon Protective Services say their crews are currently responding to four new lighting-caused fires in the Mayo area. The fires include a 0.16-hectare blaze burning on Conservative Ridge 27 kilometers west of Mayo and a 350-hectare fire burning seven kilometer east of Elsa near Flat Creek. Personnel says the Flat Creek fire is currently being actioned by two airtanker groups, crews and helicopters.

Officials say the third 41-hectare fire is burning about 60 kilometers southeast of Mayo and is being monitored by crews. Crews note the fourth and final new 300-hectare Klum Creek Fire in the Mayo area is currently being assessed by one helicopter and a fire crew. Officials say the Village of Mayo is not currently under threat by the wildfires.

Pelly Crossing Fire

In other new fires, officials says a recent lightning-caused fire located 15.8 km east of Pelly Crossing near Needle Rock has been reported. The fire is estimated to be 0.5 hectares in size and airtankers and initial attack crews are currently working the fire. The fire is visible from Pelly Crossing, however officials says the village is not currently under threat .

Fire Information Officer Mike Fancie notes there have been over 2500 lightning strikes in the Yukon alone, creating a greater likelihood of fire starts in the areas where the lightning is occurring.

The size of the Hunker Summit and Pigue Creek Wildfires haven't changed drastically in size in recent days.

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