Wildfire Status and Updates

Wildfires have become an ongoing presence during the spring/summer season in the Yukon.

This resource list is created to help Yukoners affected by wildfires navigate relevant information by breaking it down into categories, providing easy access to key phone numbers, as well as links to sources of detailed and up-to-date information.

For the most up-to-date information, visit https://yukon.ca/.

Last updated May 21, 2024 at 1 pm

Wildfire Status and Updates

Yukon Wildfire Service Website: https://yukon.ca/get-wildfire-updates

Report wildfires/smoke/flames/unattended campfires: call 1-888-798-3473 (FIRE)Non-emergency wildfire questions: call 867-393-7415 or email YukonFireInfo@yukon.ca

Government of Yukon’s Protective Services also provides updates through social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YukonProtectiveServices

Twitter: https://twitter.com/yukonps

For areas with weak cell services or slow internet, use the following link for simplified wildfire updates: https://yukon.ca/en/emergencies-and-safety/wildfires/get-text-only-wildfire-updates

States of Emergency, Evacuation Alerts, and Orders

The Emergency Measures Organization (EMO)’s Emergency Updates webpage includes orders, alerts, warnings and advisories for wildfires, air quality and road closures. https://yukon.ca/en/emergencies

Widespread evacuation alerts and evacuation orders are broadcast through the AlertReady system on radio, television and compatible wireless devices: https://www.alertready.ca/

Be ready to evacuate at any time when evacuation alerts and orders are announced.

Emergency Support Services

When people in Yukon are affected by disasters or emergencies, the Canadian Red Cross provides Emergency Support Services on behalf of the Government of Yukon.

Should communities be evacuated due to active wildfires in Yukon, Canadian Red Cross trained personnel are ready to provide support to respond to the basic needs of those impacted.

Based on the needs of people impacted, this may include registration, reception and information services, emergency accommodation, clothing, food, transportation, personal services, emotional support and referrals to other resources available in the community. The Canadian Red Cross can also provide support to people staying with family and friends, as well as work with the Government of Yukon to support people seeking access to campgrounds for their camper or recreational vehicle.

For more information on Emergency Support Services in Yukon: https://yukon.ca/en/find-information-about-emergency-support-services

Closures/Delays in Service

Road closures and conditions are available on 511Yukon: https://511yukon.ca/

Residents can create a 511 Yukon account to sign up for email or SMS alert notifications of road conditions, incidents, construction, road closures, special events and truck restrictions. https://yukon.ca/en/find-road-conditions-511yukon

Yukon Park, campground and recreation site closures: https://yukon.ca/en/find-status-yukon-campgrounds-and-recreation-sites

Fire Bans, Restrictions and Regulations

The Yukon Wildfire Updates webpage has the latest information on fire danger ratings, restrictions and bans. https://yukon.ca/en/get-wildfire-updates

The Yukon’s interactive fire map shows the fire danger ratings according to weather station. https://wildfires.service.yukon.ca/

Between April1st and September 30th, there are general burn guidelines that must be followed by everyone. https://yukon.ca/en/apply-burn-permit

Permits are legally required during this period. Burn permits may be suspended based on the current fire danger ratings. https://yukon.ca/en/emergencies-and-safety/wildfires/learn-about-fire-danger-ratings-and-fire-bans

The Yukon government and local municipalities can also apply fire restrictions on the use of open fire. Forest supervisors restrict fire use under the Forest Protection Act. Fire restrictions vary by region and may apply by region or for the whole territory. https://laws.yukon.ca/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/2002/2002-0094/2002-0094.pdf

Air Quality Data, Index, and Advisories

FireSmoke Canada (https://firesmoke.ca/) provides information and resources about smoke from wildfires, including hourly, daily, average, and daily maximum forecasts of ground-level concentrations of smoke particles. See their interactive map for current smoke forecasts: https://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/current/

Yukon Air Quality information, including smoke: https://yukon.ca/en/waste-and-recycling/pollution/air-quality-yukon

For Environment Canada Weather Alerts, visit: https://weather.gc.ca/

Preparation/Prevention

Urgent Response Support

The Yukon First Nations Wildfire is a partnership of nine Yukon First Nations stakeholders, providing emergency management and training services. Fire response services include Initial Attack firefighters stationed at remote bases throughout the Yukon, to respond immediately to fire activity. It also provides fire mitigation and FireSmart services. Visit: https://www.yfnwildfire.com/

Emotional Support

The Reach Out Support Line (https://yukon.cmha.ca/programs/reach-out-support-line-1-844-533-3030/) is a free, confidential support line run by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Yukon Division. It operates 24 hours, 7 days a week, and all holidays. Call 1-844-533-3030.

The Hope for Wellness Help Line is available First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples seeking emotional support, crisis intervention, or referrals to community-based services. Call 1-855-242-3310.

Recovery After Wildfire

Canadian Red Cross offers a step-by-step Fire Recovery Guide for returning to a home with potential fire damage. Visit: https://www.redcross.ca/crc/documents/Fire-Recovery-Guide_2017_v3_1.pdf

The Yukon Government has instructions for how to safely return to your home after a wildfire. Visit: https://yukon.ca/en/prevent-prepare-wildfire#how-to-safely-return-to-your-home-after-a-wildfire

Other sources of Information/Support

Other sources of information/support