Environment Canada is warning residents in central Yukon of wildfire smoke that has settled over the region, posing potential health risks. A view of downtown Whitehorse, Yukon is shown on Monday, June 24, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mike Thomas
Environment Canada is warning residents in central Yukon of wildfire smoke that has settled over the region, posing potential health risks.
The weather agency says the affected region includes the communities of Mayo and Carmacks, located between Whitehorse and Dawson.
Environment Canada says in its advisory that the poor air quality is a result of widespread forest fire smoke in the region, along with a stagnant weather pattern over the area.
Officials are warning residents that the fine particles in the air will put people with existing conditions, seniors, pregnant people and children at especially high risk.
Yukon’s Wildland Fire Management agency says in a statement that the territory responded to a number of new blazes triggered by lightning over the weekend, with 86 new wildfires reported since thunderstorms began developing on June 19.
The territory says there are 78 active fires in Yukon, and all but two of those blazes are in the Dawson and Mayo fire districts.
Environment Canada’s warning calls for residents to limit time outdoors and consider cancelling activities, while keeping windows closed and using air purifiers inside.
Those who have to spend time outside are recommended to wear a respirator-type mask such as a certified N95, and residents are asked to check on others in the community during the period of poor air quality.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2024.
