The Mount Dave Wildfire last week. Photo Courtesy of Yukon Protective Services/Facebook.
Whitehorse, YT – An evacuation alert has been issued for Beaver Creek and a section of the Alaska Highway as strong winds threaten to push a nearby wildfire closer to the community.
The Mount Dave fire, sparked by lightning and burning roughly 11 kilometres north of Beaver Creek, remains out of control at about 5,766 hectares. The fire has not crossed the highway.
Environment Canada is forecasting strong north winds and unsettled weather over the next two days, which could drive the fire south toward the community if rain doesn’t materialize.
The evacuation alert also covers kilometres 1868 to 1879 of the Alaska Highway.
Wildfire crews are focusing on indirect suppression tactics, as rough terrain and active fire conditions make direct attack difficult. Heavy equipment and structural protection units are in place, and officials say efforts are underway to identify and safeguard White River First Nation values at risk.
