Whitehorse, YT – While a wildfire north of Lake Laberge flared up last week fire crews were busy fighting four human-caused fires within 48 hours of a Yukon-wide level 2 burn restriction taking effect.
The Mount Lewis wildfire, north of Lake Laberge, is burning on both sides of the Yukon River near the thirty-mile section and has become more active with hot and windy weather last week. Paddlers and river users should be prepared for smokey conditions and avoid disembarking or camping in burned areas.
At the same time, wildfire crews responded to four human-caused fires that started within two days of implementing a level 2 burn restriction last Wednesday, August 7th.
The fires were reported at Grey Mountain in Whitehorse, the Midnight Dome in Dawson City, Carcross and Miles Canyon.
Wildland Fire Management credits the help of Yukoners with managing the fires and says the Grey Mountain fire was quickly addressed thanks to an individual who observed smoke and provided valuable information to the Whitehorse Fire Department.
A level 2 fire ban is currently in place. Under this ban, cooking and warming fires are restricted to designated fire pits and stoves at road-accessible campgrounds, with all other fire activities suspended.
Update for Monday, August 12th: The level 2 fire ban has since been lifted in all regions due to decreased fire risk.
