A forest fire about 10 kilometers north of Lake Laberge has caused clouds of smoke north of Whitehorse in the Yukon.
The fire is raging on both sides of the Yukon River in the Thirty Mile section, a wilderness area popular with recreationists.
Julia Duchesne, fire information officer for the Yukon government, says strong winds in the Southern Lakes region could lead to increased fire activity on Sunday.
Although smoke could blow as far as Whitehorse and across the Klondike Highway, the fire areas are still far from buildings and infrastructure, she said.
“People along the river may see active fire and fire spreading briefly as wind and fuel come together,” Duchesne said. “They may also see burning trees, so individual trees going up in flames, so to speak.”
Duchesne said these conditions should not pose a threat to paddlers and other river users – as long as they do not disembark or set up camp in the area.
“Even if it looks cool or like the fire is already over, there can still be dangers, such as hot spots or falling trees,” she said.
A statewide Level 2 fire restriction, first introduced on Aug. 7, remains in effect following the record-breaking temperatures. This means cooking and warming fires are only allowed in fire pits and stoves at regional and commercial campgrounds accessible by road, and private fires are prohibited.
As of August 9, Wildland Fire Management and fire departments across the Yukon reported four human-caused fires across the territory since the fire ban went into effect. These fires have all been extinguished.
“Since Friday, Yukon residents have done a great job maintaining a Level 2 fire warning,” Duchesne said. “We’re expecting a little more rain, clouds and moisture over the next few days, but it’s still very dry and windy.”
Yukon residents can report illegal fires by calling 1-888-798-3473 (FIRE).
