Not much to report on tonight, but I know some of you will be waiting for an update.

It was so smoky this morning, and it has stayed that way all day. I had stepped out on the front porch to chat with my Aunt Cecilia who called to check in and tell me about the heat forecast for Toronto today, and I noticed I kept getting covered by ash while I sat there!

I could feel it in my throat and chest so I figured it was time to finally close all the windows and let our air filter clean it out of our breathing air.

The Top of the World highway (from here to Alaska) was able to stay open all night last night and moved out many tourists and their RVs. They were told to not stop until they got about 32 km out of town, and then they could pull over anywhere for the night (the border is only open during the day).

The highway south of town, out past the airport, from Henderson Corner to the Dempster corner is still marked as closed, but starting mid-morning they began escorting traffic through with pilot cars, when possible, through the smoke.

Now the Dempster is closed, from km’s 0-65 for a fire that is approaching it. The fire across the road from the base of the Dempster has burned all the way to Hunker Rd.

The highway from Stewart Crossing east to Mayo is closed.

Here’s where we’re at with fires right now:

We’ve got clean air shelters opening in town. The wildfire teams have put structure protection (sprinklers) in place on structures near the fires. I stayed inside most of the day, except for one run with Jeff out to the camper. Here’s the view leaving town to the south.

We are on the CBC news:

Dawson City mayor urges people to be prepared as wildfires grow
3 evacuation alerts in the territory still in place Sunday afternoon

Here’s the current view from the Dawson City weather cam:

I’ll leave you with today’s update from our local emergency group’s information bulletin:

Sunday, June 22, 2025, 2 pm

This is an update on Dawson-area wildfires from the local Emergency Control Group for Dawson City. This group includes the City of Dawson, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, and Government of Yukon emergency response agencies.

Wildfire Activity and Response

• The Quebec Creek fire (DA-012) is now an estimated 3400 hectares in size, based on satellite data. A flight to confirm the latest fire size is planned this afternoon. Most fire activity was on the north and east side of the fire yesterday, towards the Yukon River. The fire had minimal growth towards Upper West Dawson and remains around 10 kilometres away. The fire is still located around 800 metres east of the highway.

• Heavy equipment is currently working on creating dozer guard south of the fire. Two dozer guards south of the fire have been completed, and the goal today is to establish guard for north of Sunnydale.

• Structure protection, such as sprinklers, portable water sources and pumps are currently being set up in West Dawson. This equipment is not being given out to the public, but assessments are taking place so it can be installed by Wildland Fire personnel if necessary.

• The Mount Leotta fire (DA-016) is now an estimated 1700 hectares. Yesterday most of the fire’s activity was on the west flank, towards the Hunker Creek Road. The fire also grew towards the North Klondike Highway, resulting in a closure of the road. While the fire did reach the road, crews successfully extinguished spot fires and kept the fire south of the highway.

• Several values closest to the fire’s growth were protected yesterday with tactical burning and structure protection, such as sprinklers. Ignition was also used successfully to control aggressive fire spread near the highway and power lines.

• Current objectives on the fire include maintaining power lines, preventing growth to the north side of the highway and assessing nearby values for structural protection.

• Structural protection, such as sprinklers and portable water sources, are currently being installed to protect values closest to the fire. This work will continue today.

• Evacuation Alerts are in place for the following areas near Dawson:

o West Dawson and Sunnydale, including all properties along the Top of the World Highway between kilometres 1 and 36

o Dempster Highway Cutoff and Henderson Corner, including all properties along the North Klondike Highway between kilometres 693 and 672

o An Evacuation Alert means there is a threat nearby and you should be ready to leave on short notice. It is not an Evacuation Order. Pack essentials, fuel your vehicle, and make a plan with your household.

• For more information on wildfires, visit: https://wildfires.service.yukon.ca/

Smoke, Ash and Clean Air:

• Dawson is smoky right now. That will continue for the next few days.

• Wildfire smoke can affect your health. The best thing that you can do for yourself is reduce your exposure. Seek cleaner air indoors. If that is not possible, well-fitted respirators offer some protection. Respirators are marked with letter and number combinations, such as N95, KN95 and KF94.

• TH Hall opens at 4pm today and 9am-7pm this week as a clean air shelter and hub for community members looking for information or shelter.

• Call 8-1-1 or your healthcare provider to discuss health concerns about smoke.

• If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical attention at the Dawson Hospital: shortness of breath, severe cough, dizziness, chest pain, or palpitations.

• Learn about smoke impacts here: Find out about wildfire smoke | Yukon.ca

Highway Information:

• The status of the highways can change fast due to wildfire activity. During this period of high wildfire activity, we aim to get vehicles through when it is safe. Wildfires are most active in the afternoons and early evenings. Highways are most likely to be open, or have pilot vehicles running, late at night and early in the morning when wildfire activity is low.

• The latest status can always be found at: https://511yukon.ca/

• HWY-9/Top of the World Highway opened at 9pm Saturday night and remains open at this time.

• HWY-2/North Klondike Highway has been closed between Henderson Corner and Tintina Trench Lookout, including the Dempster Cutoff (km 697-km 655), but piloted vehicle shuttles are happening as of 10 am Sunday morning, while conditions allow. Drivers should wait at the closure and then follow the pilot vehicle through. 511 will mention pilot vehicles whenever they are running.

George Black Ferry & RV Travel

• RVs are being asked to remain on the Dawson side of the river when the Top of the World highway is closed. This helps reduce pressure on the George Black Ferry and West Dawson.

• We recommend making use of the multiple campgrounds in and around Dawson City during this time. For campground options or travel questions, please contact the Dawson City Visitor Information Centre.

• We are asking locals using the ferry to consider walking across or using a private boat to help limit strain on the ferry.

Fuel and Power:

• The power line from Stewart North to Dawson and the Dempster Corner is de-energized due to the DA-016 wildfire. Dawson is running on diesel backup, and some houses along the North Klondike may be without power.

• The Dawson airport is operational. Larger planes may not be landing depending on smoke visibility.

• Fuel: The AFD at Dempster Corner is currently not working due to the power line closure. Eagle Plains has fuel.

Visitor Information:

• Visitors with inquiries should connect with the Dawson Visitor Information Centre at the corner of Front and King Streets (1-867-993-5566).

Emergency Preparedness and Information:

• Dawson residents are not under an Evacuation Alert. It’s always a good idea to make an emergency plan with your household, and to get a 72-hour emergency kit ready. Find a kit list and more information at www.PreparedYukon.ca.

• Regular updates will be shared on City of Dawson and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in websites, as well as www.Yukon.ca/emergencies and CFYT 106.9 FM in Dawson City.

• The next update will be provided when conditions change or by 3pm on Monday, June 23, 2025.