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Yukon 2024 wildfire season off to a hot start

Thursday, 20 June 2024 10:24

By Stuart Bonell @BonellStuart

The Rudolph Gulch fire burns near Minto Bridge, where residents are under an evacuation alert. (Photo: Government of Yukon)

Rudolph Gulch fire puts Minto Bridge under an evacuation alert; Stink Lake fire being held; and 22 active wildfires in the territory as of June 20.

Wildland Fire Management has released statements regarding wildfires in the territory.

On June 19, the Yukon Emergency Measures Organization issued an evacuation alert for the wilderness area northwest of Minto Bridge on the Silver Trail due to the Rudolph Gulch fire.

According to Wildland Fire, three fire crews, two helicopters, and heavy equipment are responding to the Rudolph Gulch fire after it was identified by the Ferry Hill lookout tower Wednesday afternoon. The first attempts to contain the fire using airtankers was unsuccessful due to conditions in the area.

The statement says that when an evacuation alert has been issued, residents must be prepared to leave within an hour if an order to evacuate is issued. Preparations should include locating family members, designating a safe meeting place, gathering important items and documents, moving pets and livestock to a safe area, and arranging transportation and accommodation in the event of an evacuation.

In another statement Thursday evening, Wildland Fire reported that the Stink Lake wildfire, a small fire caused by lightning southwest of Pelly Crossing, is being held. Since the fire is only two kilometres away from the North Klondike Highway, smoke may be visible in the area, but Wildland Fire says that the highway is not impacted by the fire.

According to the Wildfire Hub, new wildfires are likely to start due to dry forest conditions and widespread risk of lightning in the Yukon. There are 22 active wildfires in the Yukon.

To report wildfires, call 1-888-798-3473. To stay up-to-date on wildfires this summer, visit the Wildfire Hub at wildfires.service.yukon.ca

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