Yukon Wildland Fire Management is working on two notable fires as of the evening of June 19 and an evacuation alert is in effect for a wilderness area along the Silver Trail.
The fires in question are the Rudolph Gulch fire burning north of Mayo and the Stink Lake fire southwest of Pelly Crossing. As of 9 p.m. on June 19 fire crews and aircraft were in action on both blazes and the Stink Lake fire was held in place with no further growth expected.
The Rudolph Gulch fire is burning an estimated 25 hectares of forest, roughly 14 km north of the Minto Lake recreation site. It was spotted from a fire lookout tower on the afternoon of June 19. Wildland Fire’s information bulletin states that air tankers were deployed but the fire could not be immediately contained due to conditions. It is being worked on by three fire crews, two helicopters and heavy equipment. The bulletin adds that structure protection equipment will be deployed as soon as possible. The fire is expected to be visible from the Silver Trail and the Village of Mayo.
The Stink Lake fire is described as a small lighting-caused blaze. Wildland Fire’s online map puts it less than a hectare in size and it was being held in place, thanks to the efforts of helicopters, air tankers and an initial attack crew by 9 p.m. on June 19.
The evacuation alert announced June 19 affects an area northwest of Minto Bridge on the Silver Trail. People in the area are instructed to take stock of family members and essential items in order to prepare to leave on an hour’s notice.
Also reported on June 19 are a trio of lightning-caused spot fires in the Dawson fire district. None threaten people, properties or infrastructure.
There are 21 active fires in the territory and 16,122 hectares have burned so far this season.
Contact Jim Elliot at jim.elliot@yukon-news.com