Prevent and prepare for wildfires

Wildfires are a natural process in our ecosystem. When they take place away from people, property and resources, they maintain the health and biodiversity of the Boreal forest. However, they can also put lives and property in danger.

Wildfires in Yukon are common from May to September. On average, human activity causes almost a third of the fires in Yukon. You can help prevent wildfires by taking the following measures.

Report wildfires

The sooner we know about a wildfire, the sooner we can take action. If you see a wildfire, call the Wildfire Hotline at 1-888-798-3473 (FIRE).

Be prepared to report:

• when you first noticed the fire
• the size of the fire (campfire, baseball diamond, football field)
• the colour of the smoke
• the fire's location in relation to landmarks like:
  • roads
  • lakes
  • rivers
  • creeks
  • highway kilometre posts
• any information about people or property in immediate danger

Respect fire bans and restrictions

The Government of Yukon and municipalities sometimes order fire bans. These regulate the use of open fire when the danger of fire or existing fire activity is unusually high. 

Check for fire bans and restrictions in your area. These are posted online, on Facebook and Twitter. 

Be aware of the current fire danger rating. These are updated daily  around 2 p.m. Fire danger ratings are posted in communities across Yukon and online.

Open burning requires a burn permit and permission from your local Wildland Fire Management office. It is banned when the fire danger rating is set to moderate, high or extreme.

How to burn safely

In campgrounds

• Only make a fire that is big enough for your needs and never leave it unattended.
• Use the designated fire pits in Government of Yukon campgrounds.
• Follow all instructions at the campground for a safe campfire.
• Before you leave or go to sleep, soak your campfire, stir and repeat until the ashes are cold to the touch.
• National parks may prohibit campfires. Be sure to follow instructions at the park.

Outside of campgrounds

Outside of municipalities, campfires are permitted on Crown land unless there is a fire ban. 

• Do not build a fire when it’s windy.
• Build the fire on non-flammable mineral soil at least 3 meters away from flammable vegetation. Remove all leaves, twigs and other flammable material from the area. 
• Build a fire pit with a ring of rocks.
• Keep a bucket with at least 8 litres of water and a shovel nearby to extinguish the fire.
• Keep the fire small and never leave it unattended. 
• Extinguish the campfire before leaving by soaking it with water, stirring and repeating until the ashes are cold to the touch. 

Backyard burning

• You need a burn permit from your municipality, the Government of Yukon, or both to burn brush. Burn safely by following the conditions of your permit. 
• Always call your local Wildland Fire Management office before you burn.
• Don’t burn in windy conditions. Keep the fire in check. Make sure you have a shovel, at least 8 litres of water and fire retardant nearby. 
• Never leave a fire unattended. Completely extinguish the fire by dousing it with water and stirring the ashes until cold.

Keep other ignition sources in check

• Don’t throw smoking materials from vehicles. Always use interior ashtrays.
• Heat from the exhaust system of motorized vehicles, especially off-road vehicles and dirt bikes, can start fires. Avoid operating any motorized vehicle in tall grass and vegetation when the weather is hot and dry.

Protect your home and property

Help prevent wildfires from spreading by using FireSmart practices on your property.