Wildfire danger 'extreme' around Whitehorse, as long weekend begins

Wildland fire officials in Yukon are urging people to be careful this weekend, as manyareas of the territory are at high risk of forest fire, andWhitehorse is at "extreme" risk.

For many Yukoners, this holiday weekend means the first camping trip of the season. Registration at territorial parks is free for Yukon residents until the end of May.

As of Friday morning, the fire danger rating is considered "high" around Braeburn,Carmacks, Faro and Ross River. It is rated "moderate" aroundHainesJunction, Burwash, Mayo, Stewart Crossing, Teslin,Carcoss, and Watson Lake.

Whitehorse is the only area considered to be at extreme risk.

The risk is lowest around Dawson, Beaver Creek and Old Crow.

'It only takes one bad fire'

Fire information officer George Maratossays it's hard to saywhat this fire season as a whole will be like. So far, there have been five small human-caused fires.

"It's hard to predictbut it looks like weather-wise, it's going to be a fairly average season," he said.

But he also admitted that things can change quickly.

"Fort McMurray had one bad, big fire," he said. "It only takes one bad fire to make a bad fire season."

Maratossays Yukonersshould always be careful when burning. He advises people to keep campfires small, and within a designated fire pit or ring of rocks. He also advises against starting fires when it's windy.

He also stresses the importance offully dousingacampfire before leaving it.

"When you hear of these human-caused starts, 99 per cent of the time they're not intentionally set it's just a case of not properly extinguishing the fire," he said.

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