Cooler conditions are providing some relief to the central Yukon, which has been enveloped in flames for more than a week.
According to the latest update from Yukon Wildland Fire Management officials, “less severe weather is allowing wildfire crews opportunities to work more directly on active fires.”
A level 2 fire restriction remains in place for the Beaver Creek, Haines Junction, Carmacks, Ross River, Dawson, Mayo and Old Crow fire management districts.
The Roaring Fork fire (MA-021) is north of the Minto Lake Road and 15 kilometres north of Mayo. An evacuation alert for the Mayo and Keno City area is in place.
The Wrong Lake fire (MA-006) is impacting the North Klondike Highway between Pelly Crossing and Stewart Crossing. An evacuation alert is in place for Stewart Crossing.
The highway reopened Tuesday after having been mostly closed since June 20, with limited use available during that period depending on smoke conditions. Check Yukon 511 to find out whether the highway is open or closed.
The Yukon is receiving the following help through the Northwest Compact: 12 initial-attack crews, one air-tanker group and one aviation assistant from British Columbia; and one ignition specialist trainee from Oregon.