An independent report into the aftermath of a wildfire near Mayo last year has outlined many recommendations for the Yukon government, the village and the nearby First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun.
“In August 2023, a wildfire occurred in Talbot Creek,” says the report’s introduction. “As the incident developed, the wildfire headed toward the village of Mayo.
“The approaching wildfire prompted the implementation of various measures to protect the health, safety, and wellness of residents living in Mayo, the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, and the surrounding communities.”
The area was evacuated, with many evacuees travelling to Whitehorse for accommodation. The village escaped damage from the wildfire.
The Yukon government contracted a review and report following the incident. The project’s goals included:
- Provide insights into the response and evacuation protocols that were implemented during the Talbot Creek wildfire.
- Assess which emergency response processes worked well during the fire, as well as which processes require improvement.
- Recommend strategies that the Yukon government, local municipalities and applicable response agencies can use to enhance the effectiveness and
efficiency of their emergency responses.
Mayo Mayor Trevor Ellis spoke to The Yukon Star today about the report, which was released without much fanfare several weeks ago. He called it “really well done.
“I think they did a really good job,” he said. “The public meeting was informative and well-organized.”
The report’s recommendations now have the village looking for gaps in its bylaws, Ellis said.
“There are things to work on collectively,” he said.
The village had already begun to work on revamping its plans in co-operation with Na-Cho Nyäk Dun officials, he said. The First Nation had received some funding for the work, which was underway before the report was commissioned.
In 2022, another fire incident gave the village a chance to try out the plans it had in place in a test run, Ellis said.
That left Mayo better prepared for the 2023 situation, even if it had no formal evacuation plan in place or in writing.
“Things went fairly smoothly, Ellis said.
