Yukon fire update: New fire east of Watson Lake grows to 1,000 hectares
More firefighters, helicopters and equipment will be relocated to eastern Yukon today as Wildland Fire Management is fighting a fire burning 72 kilometres east of Watson Lake, near the Coal River Logging Road.
Fire Information Officer George Maratos says the fire is about 10 kilometres north of the Alaska Highway.
"Those travelling in the area can expect to see smoke and possible open flame as well," he said. "Residents of Watson Lake and the surrounding communities can expect smoky conditions."
The fire was discovered Sunday afternoon and is believed to be a holdover fire caused by a lightning storm in the area last week.
Maratos says when it was discovered, the fire was about five hectares in size and within six hours had grown to a thousand hectares.
He says sprinkler kits have been put in place on two cabins nearest the fire and may be put in place at the Contact Creek and Iron Creek lodges if required.
The fire was one of four new wildfires reported Sunday in Yukon.
To report a wildfire in Yukon call 1-888-798-3473(FIRE).
