Wildfire Status and Updates

Wildfire Service

The Yukon Wildfire Updates webpage has the most up-to-date information on notable fire activity and burning restrictions. The page also provides links to:

  • An interactive fire map showing the locations of active fires, including ones within the last 24 hours. It also shows the fire danger ratings from 42 weather stations.
  • The Yukon Wildland Fire Activity Report is generated Wednesday mornings by 11:30 am Yukon time with more frequent updates during periods of high wildfire activity. The report includes new fire activity, fire response efforts, statistics about the year’s fire season, a summary of active burning restrictions, and current and forecasted fire weather.

Wildfire updates are also posted on the on the Yukon government’s Protective Services social media Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Emergency Alerts and Advisories

The Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) is responsible for coordinating the Yukon’s preparedness for, response to, and recovery from, major emergencies and disasters. The Emergency Updates webpage includes orders, alerts, warnings and advisories for wildfires, air quality, floods, earthquakes and road closures. Continue to also monitor the television, radio, Facebook and Twitter for updates.

Evacuation alerts and orders are distributed by local authorities to their communities through tools like posters, flyers and door-to-door notices. Widespread evacuation alerts and evacuation orders are broadcast through the AlertReady system on radio, television and compatible wireless devices. Be ready to evacuate at any time when evacuation alerts and orders are announced.

Evacuee Registration and Support

The Red Cross has assumed evacuee support efforts on behalf of the Yukon government. Community members impacted by wildfire evacuations can register by phoning 1-800-863-6582 . Registration allows evacuees to receive urgent assistance when needed. Individuals may be eligible for supports such as temporary lodging, food, and incidental expenses. Evacuees that seek lodging with family/friends are also eligible for financial supports. If evacuated, and plans include staying with friends or family, financial assistance can be provided through the billeting program. For those with a camper or an RV, assistance to find a place to park can also be provided. Group lodging is being offered at the Canada Games Centre in Whitehorse.

Fire Bans, Restrictions, and Regulations

The Yukon Wildfire Updates webpage has the latest information on fire danger ratings, restrictions and bans. Danger ratings according to weather station can also be found on the Yukon’s interactive fire map. Before lighting an open fire, be aware of burn guidelines, fire danger ratings, and any fire restrictions that are in effect.

Between April 1st and September 30th, there are general burn guidelines that must be followed by everyone. Permits are legally required during this period. Fire danger ratings show how dangerous a fire would be if one started. When an area is rated as medium or higher, burn permits are suspended.

The Yukon government and local municipalities can also apply fire restrictions on the use of open fire. During wildfire season, there are three levels of temporary reduced fire use that can be applied to support the normal fire-season burn rules.

Forest supervisors restrict fire use under the Forest Protection Act. The Yukon is a large place, and conditions can vary by region. For that reason, fire restrictions are in place by region and when necessary for the whole territory.

Air Quality Data Including Index and Advisories

Go to the Yukon’s Emergency Updates webpage for air quality advisories. All forms of weather-related alerts for the Yukon can be found on the federal government’s Public Weather Alerts webpage.

The significant influx of wildfire smoke creates poor visibility and can impact the operation aircrafts and vehicles. Air pollutants from wildfires contain fine particles not visible to the human eye. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, sometimes leading to serious health effects. Interactive maps provide information on the air quality in each area.

The interactive map by FireSmoke Canada provides forecasts of smoke particles at ground level from wildfires. The Yukon government provides data to the interactive map powered by the University of Northern BC that gives real-time air quality measures. Detailed air quality information for Whitehorse is located on the federal government’s Air Quality Health Index webpage.

Closures/Delays in Service

Road:
511 Yukon is the primary source of information for road closures and conditions throughout the Yukon. The information is accessed through their online interactive map and Twitter account. To hear road reports by phone, call 511 or 1-877-456-7623. 511 Yukon can also be accessed through the mobile app which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Parks:
Yukon Parks provides updates on park information through their Facebook page. The phone number for the main office is 867-667-5648 or toll free at 1-800-661-0408, ext. 5648. Yukon Parks also provide a webpage on the status of campgrounds and recreational sites. Parks Canada provides updates on the Yukon’s national parks through their Twitter Account.

Preparation/Prevention

The Yukon government’s Wildland Fire Management branch provides online information on how to prevent wildfires, prepare for an approaching wildfire, prepare emergency kits, and keep your property safe from wildfires,. They also provide the FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual that can be downloaded for free.

Recovery after Wildfire

The Yukon’s Wildland Fire Management branch offers tips on how to safely return to your home after a wildfire

The Red Cross offers the Guide to Wildfire Recovery

The Yukon’s Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) is responsible for coordinating the recovery efforts from emergencies and disasters. Their contact information is:
Telephone: 867-667-5220
Toll free (within the Yukon): 1-800-661-0408

Emotional Support

Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services (MWSUS) provides counselling and mental wellness services. Included are individual counselling, outreach services, and community support. Serves Whitehorse, and smaller communities through four hubs: Carmacks hub (serves Pelly Crossing, Ross River, and Faro), Dawson City hub (serves Mayo and Old Crow), Haines Junction hub (serves Burwash Landing and Beaver Creek), and Watson Lake hub (serves Teslin and Carcross/Tagish). The toll-free number for Whitehorse is 867-456-3838. To connect to local hubs, call 1-866-456-3838.

Wellness Together Canada: Mental Health and Substance Use Support offers free counselling and peer support. Counselling can be accessed by text, phone, or video. Text WELLNESS to 686868 for children and youth, or 741741 for adults. The Peer Support Warmline provides peer support and coaching through confidential chat sessions and phone calls with peer support workers and other professionals. Contact numbers are:

  • Adult Counselling (24-hour, toll-free): 1-866-585-0445
  • Youth Counselling (up to 30 years of age, 24-hour, toll-free): 1-888-668-6810
  • Peer Support Warmline (12 noon to 4 pm daily): 1-888-768-2488

The Yukon division of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offers free counselling services by appointment; sessions are typically 50 minutes and available on a short-term basis. To make an appointment call 867-668-6429. Office hours are 9 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. They also offer a free confidential support line for people who are in crisis. The crisis line number is 1-844-533-3030.

The Hope for Wellness Help Line provides culturally competent 24-hour/7-days per week telephone crisis intervention and counselling support for First Nations and Inuit people. Service is available in English and French, as well as Cree, Inuktitut, and Ojibway upon request. Their phone number is 855-242-3310.

The Kids Help Phone provides referrals and professional counselling to children and youth ages five to 20 across Canada, by telephone, online tools, mobile app, and live chat. Service is free, anonymous, and confidential. They can address any concerns or issues facing children and youth. The Crisis Text Line service is provided 24/7 by trained volunteer crisis responders; text CONNECT to 686868 to get started or text FIRST NATIONS, INUIT, or METIS to connect with an Indigenous responder. The Text Line is also available through Facebook Messenger. Their 24/7 phone number is 1-800-668-6868.

Other sources of information/support