Whitehorse prepares for wildfires by setting fires

By CBC News  April 26, 2017  

April 26, 2017, Whitehorse - The City of Whitehorse is preparing for the wildfire season — by starting some fires. The city is partnering with the Yukon government to do controlled burns along Long Lake Road, just across the Yukon River from the city centre, in an attempt to reduce the potential for human-caused wildfires. The Long Lake controlled burn will happen over 34 hectares. Officials will set fire to mostly grass and brush along the road and near the Whitehorse sewage lagoons. Whitehorse Fire Chief Kevin Lyslo told the CBC that the city looked at other options, such as enhancing the FireSmart program or widening roads and trails, but ultimately decided a controlled burn would be the most cost effective way to reduce fuel around the road. CBC News reports. | READ MORE