Wildland Fire Management staff set to perform prescribed burns near Whitehorse
WHITEHORSE – Wildland Fire Management staff are planning a prescribed fire operation in the Mary Lake area.
A managed fire operation is being planned in the Mary Lake region by Wildland Fire Management personnel. A test burn today will determine whether the circumstances are favourable for the operation next week.
This job, like all controlled fires, is done under stringent weather and safety conditions to reduce public danger.
To make the Mary Lake Shaded Fuel Break more successful and to promote optimal growth conditions for the aspen trees that will be planted in the region next year, crews will use a controlled fire to clear slash left over from last year’s fuel reduction work.
The Whitehorse South Fuel Break includes the Mary Lake Shaded Fuel Break. This is a strategic fire guard that lowers the probability of a catastrophic wildfire destroying the city and its neighbouring neighbourhoods.
While the fire is burning, there will be some smoke visible from the work site about 1km south of the Mary Lake community. While Wildland Fire Management trucks and personnel are on the job, public access to the area will be restricted.
