Large, early wildfires unlikely this spring, say Yukon officials

Yukon fire officials say they're preparing for the upcoming wildfire season — though they're not expecting any sort of dramatic early start this year.

That's based on precipitation patterns through the fall and winter, and weather forecasts for the coming months, says Michael Smith, chief meteorologist with Yukon Wildland Fire Management.

"We're quite confident in saying it will be at least a normal start to the year, with no real potential for large or severe fires until we get into early, mid-June," Smith said on Wednesday.

"And then we're much like last year — it will depend on what those months bring, in terms of temperature and rainfall. But we can take some solace in the fact that, at least to start off, we are looking fairly good."

Smith was speaking at a media briefing alongside Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn. The two acknowledged that such briefings have typically been held later in the year, but Mostyn said fire season in most of Canada has been starting earlier than in the past.

"We're getting prepared and we need you to do the same," Mostyn told Yukoners.

"The changing climate means wildfire risk is unpredictable."

More money for firefighting resources

Mostyn said work is already underway to increase the territory's ability to fight wildfires, by increasing training and buying more equipment, such as hose pumps, communications and protective equipment. There will be additional money for firefighting in this year's territorial budget, he said, and the federal government has also contributed funds.

The Yukon had a relatively quiet start to the fire season last year, but things picked up as the summer continued. Two communities — Mayo and Old Crow — were threatened by nearby fires and under evacuation orders at one point, and some residents just west of Whitehorse were also under an evacuation alert for several weeks.

The firefighting efforts last summer stretched Yukon's resources thin for a period, and the territory sometimes struggled to find additional resources available in other jurisdictions as wildfires raged across the country. 

Mostyn on Wednesday urged Yukoners to take some action themselves to protect their properties, and be prepared for any emergencies.

"Citizens of the territory have to take some personal responsibility," Mostyn said, suggesting Yukoners clear any flammable debris away from their homes, have a 72-hour emergency kit ready, and think about what things they might need to save in case of emergency. 

He said the territory is also working on ways to ensure people are informed during any emergency.

"As far as communication goes, we are trying to improve it. As a matter of fact, that's why we're here this afternoon, in March — is trying to get people to thinking about this," he said.

"We're going to do it again in April. We're gonna hit this a few more times, just to make sure people get the message that we are on the job and we are working very hard, but also there are things that they can do to prepare."