Wildfire Bulletin #1

_{May 8, 2008 12:00 AM}

Staff Gearing Up For 2008 Fire Season

Preparations continue for the 2008 fire season as new staff and seasonal employees return to work. While there has yet to be a wildfire this year, officials say there is still the strong possibility of new starts.

“This is the time of year we see a lot of Yukoners burning brush and cleaning up their property for the summer season,” said Planning & Science Supervisor Al Beaver. “It is important that the public are cautious when burning and take the necessary steps to prevent careless fires.”  

Wildland Fire Management reminds the public that they are required to obtain a burning permit to burn grass, brush or debris in the territory between April 1 and September 30. Burning permits can be obtained free of charge from your local Fire Management offices.

Don Green, Meteorologist for Wildland Fire Management, says the weather forecast for the 2008 fire season is calling for above average temperatures for May and June and with that the likelihood for increased fire activity.

In 2007 there were 110 fires in the territory burning close to 41,000 hectares of forest as a result.

Wildland Fire Management would like to thank the public for their continued cooperation in reporting wildfires.

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For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750
Report Wildfires - 1-888-798-FIRE (3473)