Yukon Wildland Fire Management is postponing a controlled burn that had been planned for this week in the Mary Lake area
“Due to conditions, this burn will be postponed, likely until early next week,” the territorial government announced Tuesday. “Yukon Protective Services will continue to provide updates.”
Officials are planning a prescribed burn at the Mary Lake fuel break, with a potential window next week. The Mary Lake fuel break is a 10-year project that will provide Whitehorse with a critical defence against a south-end wildfire.
The announcement was followed by a lengthy explanation of why a controlled burn was being considered during the current heat wave.
“Why are we planning a burn when it’s hot out? Hot and dry conditions are ideal for a prescribed burn like this,” Wildland Fire said.
“Fuels won’t burn when it is cool or wet – they need to be dry. The operation’s goal is to burn off mulch left behind from clearing the fuel break.”
Strict safety requirements and careful preparation are key components of any burn, officials added.
“Firefighters wet down neighbouring areas of fuel to prevent spread and crews are always assigned to suppression with adequate water supply. Strips of fuel are burned in a deliberate manner and weather is constantly monitored during the operations.
“If conditions are not right – wind too strong, for example – the burn will not take place.”
Smoke is likely to be visible throughout Whitehorse during the controlled burn, should it proceed next week.
“While the burn is being planned to avoid smoke impacts, a column will still be visible from Whitehorse,” Wildland Fire said.
“It is possible some areas will experience light smoke for several hours. If you have specific concerns about wildfire smoke, talk to your health care professional or call 811.”
The concept of deliberately setting a fire can make people nervous, officials acknowledged.
“But the risk of doing nothing is far greater – sometimes, fire is a tool we can use to protect our communities. A planned fire is much better than an unplanned fire.
“Burning now with adequate preparation and staff can help us avoid greater fire and smoke impacts in the future.”
