The Government of Yukon is committed to ensuring that Yukon residents and businesses have the information they need to stay safe during natural disasters and times of crisis.
As the Donnie Creek wildfire complex in northeast British Columbia is burning within a few kilometres of the Alaska Highway, the Government of Yukon, through its Emergency Measures Organization (EMO), is holding daily meetings with emergency partners in British Columbia and within the Yukon to monitor the situation and prepare to respond if and when needed.
The Alaska Highway is open at this time. However, people planning to travel using the Alaska Highway should check www.driveBC.ca for the latest road updates or call 1-800-550-4997 toll free anywhere in North America.
If the highway closes, updates will appear on www.yukon.ca/emergencies, Yukon 511, and Yukon Protective Services on Facebook and Twitter.
Advance planning is in place to ensure the Yukon remains supplied with essentials, including fuel and food, in case of a highway closure. The Yukon has multiple transport links leading outside the territory, including the Stewart Cassiar Highway through the B.C. interior, airports, and ferry and freight access at Alaska seaports.
The Government of Yukon continues to urge all Yukoners to prepare an emergency kit containing basic supplies for every member of their household that can be easily accessed in an emergency. The kit should allow each individual to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours without power or running water.
In the face of the unpredictable nature of wildfires, proactive monitoring and preparedness are of the upmost importance. By diligently keeping watch and staying one step ahead, the Yukon government will be prepared to coordinate and communicate with Yukoners during natural disasters.
Our government is actively monitoring the impact that the Donnie Creek wildfire complex may have on Yukon residents and visitors. Plans are in place to ensure the Yukon has access to necessary supplies, like fuel and food, in case the highway closes.
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As of June 15, the Donnie Creek fire complex is estimated to be over 506,000 hectares.
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More information on emergency kits can be found at https://yukon.ca/en/make-emergency-kit
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Yukon wildfire updates can be found on the new Wildfires Hub at https://wildfires.service.yukon.ca/
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Julia Duchesne
Communications, Community Services
867-332-4188
julia.duchesne@yukon.ca