Sunday, June 29, 5:00 pm
The Evacuation Alert, issued on June 20, 2025, by the Yukon Emergency Measures Organization for the West Dawson, Sunnydale and Top of the World Highway kilometers 1 to 36 areas has been rescinded.
For more information, including emergency updates, please visit Yukon.ca/emergencies
The Evacuation Alert, issued on June 20, 2025, by the Yukon Emergency Measures Organization for the West Dawson, Sunnydale and Top of the World Highway kilometers 1 to 36 areas has been rescinded.
For more information, including emergency updates, please visit Yukon.ca/emergencies
Saturday, June 29, 2025, 4:00 pm
This is an update from the Dawson Emergency Control Group including City of Dawson, Yukon – Municipal Government, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government and Government of Yukon response agencies (including Wildland Fire Management and the Emergency Coordination Centre).
The Dawson region is experiencing high fire activity. With multiple fires in the region, firefighting resources are stretched.
With current resources, Wildland Fire is focusing efforts in the populated areas around the community, including West Dawson, Sunnydale, Moosehide, the Klondike Valley and values along the Dempster Highway. Keeping the highways open remains a priority; however, due to fire activity, closures may occur on short notice. Check 511 for updates.
Resources from outside of the territory are already on site, and additional resources have been requested to support fire management efforts in the area.
The structure protection team from Alberta has tested parts of their water supply line to Upper West Dawson along the Top of the World Highway yesterday. More testing will continue over the next few days.
In total, there are 28 active wildfires in the Dawson region. Ten of which are under control or being held. Fire activity is increasing due to dry weather.
Quebec Creek fire (DA-012)
– The fire did not grow; the confirmed size is still 3709 hectares. The fire remains about nine kilometres away from Upper West Dawson. The fire has not crossed the highway and is still 600 metres away from the Yukon River. A structural protection plan has been made for Moosehide. As more resources arrive, Wildland Fire Management will look to implement.
– Heavy equipment has completed the cat guard above the Deadwood drainage. Dozer guards in the Upper West Dawson and Sunnydale are finished as well. Structure protection, such as sprinklers, portable water sources, and pumps, is in place for several properties, and the work has been completed.
– Crews are now established on southern flank and will continue to prevent further growth on the fire’s southern flank. Several hotspots were extinguished, and crews will continue their work.
Mount Leotta fire (DA-016)
– The size remains at 7,161 hectares. The fire has reached the highway between kilometres 667 and 675 but has not crossed it. The fire is 7,5 kilometres away from the Henderson Corner. Crews have been successful in keeping the fire south of the highway and extinguishing hotspots along the fire perimeter. Crews extinguished hotspots on the eastern and western sides of the fire Work will continue today.
– Lots of structural protection has been made along the Klondike Highway. Today, crews will continue building a contingency line along the power line from the Hunker Creek Road to the Klondike Highway.
– Several values closest to the fire’s growth have been protected with tactical burning and structure protection, such as sprinklers and tree cutting. Current objectives on the fire include maintaining power lines, preventing growth on the northwest side of the highway, and bringing heavy equipment and crews closer to the fire. Yesterday, several hotspots were extinguished. Crews will continue today.
– Structural protection is now completed on the Land of Plenty.
Rabbit Creek fire (DA-007):
– The fire did not grow; its size remains 12,148 hectares. The fire is still four kilometres away from the Klondike Highway and seven kilometres away from Henderson Corner. Structural protection has been completed in the Benson Creek area, the Dempster Corner, and the farms North of the Klondike River. Yesterday, two heavy helicopters worked on bucketing along the Dempster Highway. Today crews will be working on extinguishing hotspots with air support.
– Goldfields: We are aware of fires in the goldfields. Roads are currently open. Miners should contact the KPMA with any questions or concerns.
– DA-007 is 7,5 kilometres from the Mount Leotta fire (DA-016).
Friday, June 27, 2025, 1:00 pm
This is an update from the Dawson Emergency Control Group, including City of Dawson, Yukon – Municipal Government, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government and Government of Yukon response agencies (including Wildland Fire Management and the Emergency Coordination Centre).
The Dawson region is experiencing high fire activity. With multiple fires in the region, firefighting resources are stretched.
With current resources, Wildland Fire is focusing efforts in the populated areas around the community, including West Dawson, Sunnydale, Moosehide, the Klondike Valley and values along the Dempster Highway. Keeping the highways open remains a priority; however, due to fire activity, closures may occur on short notice. Check 511 for updates.
Resources from outside of the territory are already on site, and additional resources have been requested to support fire management efforts in the area.
The structure protection team from Alberta has tested parts of their water supply line to Upper West Dawson along the Top of the World Highway yesterday. More testing will continue over the next few days.
In total, there are 28 active wildfires in the Dawson region. Ten of which are under control or being held. With the recent weather, fires showed minimal activity, allowing crews to work closer to the fires. As things are drying, fire activity is increasing.
Quebec Creek fire (DA-012): The fire did not grow; the confirmed size is still 3709 hectares. The fire remains about nine kilometres away from Upper West Dawson. The fire has not crossed the highway and is still 600 metres away from the Yukon River. A structural protection plan has been made for Moosehide. As more resources arrive, Wildland Fire Management will look to implement.
Heavy equipment has completed the cat guard above the Deadwood drainage. Dozer guards in the Upper West Dawson and Sunnydale are finished as well. Structure protection, such as sprinklers, portable water sources, and pumps, is in place for several properties, and the work has been completed.
Crews are now established on southern flank and will continue to prevent further growth on the fire’s southern flank. Several hotspots were extinguished, and crews will continue their work.
Mount Leotta fire (DA-016): The size remains at 7,161 hectares. The fire has reached the highway between kilometres 667 and 675 but has not crossed it. The fire is 7,5 kilometres away from the Henderson Corner. Crews have been successful in keeping the fire south of the highway and extinguishing hotspots along the fire perimeter. Crews will get closer to the eastern and western sides of the fire and work to extinguish hotspots.
Lots of structural protection has been made along the Klondike Highway. Today, crews will continue building a contingency line along the power line from the Hunker Creek Road to the Klondike Highway. The lines will be deenergized as work continues.
Several values closest to the fire’s growth have been protected with tactical burning and structure protection, such as sprinklers and tree cutting. Current objectives on the fire include maintaining power lines, preventing growth on the northwest side of the highway, and bringing heavy equipment and crews closer to the fire.
Structural protection is now completed on the Land of Plenty.
Rabbit Creek fire (DA-007): The fire did not grow; its size remains 12,148 hectares. The fire is still four kilometres away from the Klondike Highway and seven kilometres away from Henderson Corner. Structural protection has been completed in the Benson Creek area, the Dempster Corner, and the farms North of the Klondike River.
Goldfields: We are aware of fires in the goldfields. Roads are currently open. Miners should contact the KPMA with any questions or concerns.
DA-007 is 7,5 kilometres from the Mount Leotta fire (DA-016).
Read the full update, including information on highways, ferry and RV travel, clean air shelter, fuel and power at http://yukon.ca/…/emergency-updates/get-emergency-updates or https://yukon.ca/…/dawson-region-wildfire-update-last…
Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 1 pm
This is an update from the Dawson Emergency Control Group including the City of Dawson, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government and Government of Yukon response agencies (including Wildland Fire Management and the Emergency Coordination Centre).
Evacuation AlertsWest Dawson and Sunnydale, including all properties along the Top of the World Highway between kilometres 1 and 36
Dempster Highway Cutoff and Henderson Corner, including all properties along the North Klondike Highway between kilometres 693 and 672
An Evacuation Alert means a threat is 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.
Over the next few days, officials will be visiting homes in West Dawson, Sunnydale, and Henderson Corner to support wildfire preparedness. This is a brief, non-intrusive survey to help emergency teams understand local needs and improve communication.
If you’re heading out of cell service, download the Alertable app to receive evacuation alerts and orders. It works with an internet connection and doesn’t require cell service. www.alertable.ca
Wildfire Activity and Response (update provided by Wildland Fire Management)The Dawson region is experiencing high fire activity. With multiple fires in the region, firefighting resources are stretched.
With current resources, Wildland Fire is focusing efforts in the populated areas around the community, including West Dawson, Sunnydale, Moosehide, the Klondike Valley and values along the Dempster Highway. Keeping the highways open remains a priority, but due to fire activity, expect closures on short notice. Check 511 for updates.
Outside resources are already on site, and additional resources have been requested to support fire management efforts in the area.
The structure protection team from Alberta has finished completing their water supply line to Upper West Dawson along the Top of the World Highway. They will be testing it within the next few days. Please be mindful of crews in the area and drive with caution.
More structural protection equipment will arrive in Dawson within the next few days and will be crossing on the ferry to West Dawson. This heavy equipment will help our crews continue their structural protection work.
In total, there are 29 active wildfires in the Klondike. Nine of which are under control or being held. With yesterday’s precipitation, fires showed minimal activity, allowing crews to get closer to the fires.
Quebec Creek fire (DA-012): Aircraft were able to track the perimeter of the Quebec Creek fire (DA-012); the confirmed size is 3709 hectares. The fire had minimal growth towards Upper West Dawson and remains approximately nine kilometres away. The fire has not crossed the highway and is still 600 metres away from the Yukon River. A structural protection plan has been made for Moosehide. As more resources arrive, Wildland Fire Management will look to implement.
Heavy equipment has completed the cat guard above the Deadwood drainage. Work in the Upper West Dawson and Sunnydale continues today. Structure protection, such as sprinklers, portable water sources and pumps, is in place for several properties, and work continues today. This equipment is not being given out to the public, but installed by Wildland Fire personnel if necessary.
Today, the crews will create access to allow more resources to maintain the fire. The goal is to prevent further growth on the fire’s southern flank.
Mount Leotta fire (DA-016): A flight was able to track the perimeter of the Mount Leotta fire (DA-016), which has a confirmed size of 7161 hectares. The fire has reached the highway between km 667 to 675 but has not crossed it. Today, crews will continue their work. Crews have been successful in keeping the fire south of the highway. Lots of structural protection has been made along the Klondike Highway. Moving forward, crews will continue building a contingency line along the power line from the Hunker Creek Road to the Klondike Highway.
Several values closest to the fire’s growth have been protected with tactical burning and structure protection, such as sprinklers and tree cutting. Current objectives on the fire include maintaining power lines, preventing growth to the northwest side of the highway and getting heavy equipment and crews closer to the fire.
More structural protection will be implemented today on values further from the fire. Sprinklers will also be setup on the Land of Plenty.
Rabbit Creek fire (DA-007): A flight confirmed the perimeter of the Rabbit Creek fire, which is at 12,148 hectares. The fire is still four kilometres away from the Klondike Highway. Structural protection has been completed in the Benson Creek area and the Dempster Corner. Today, crews will continue the structural protection on farms north of the Klondike River.
Goldfields: We are aware of fires in the goldfields. Roads are currently open. Miners should contact the KPMA with any questions.
Read the full update, including information on highways, ferry and RV travel, clean air shelter, fuel and power at http://yukon.ca/…/emergency-updates/get-emergency-updates
Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 5 pm
This is an update from the local Emergency Control Group for Dawson City, including the City of Dawson, Yukon – Municipal Government , Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government and Government of Yukon response agencies.
Wildfire Activity and ResponseEvacuation Alerts remain in place for the following areas near Dawson:
West Dawson and Sunnydale, including all properties along the Top of the World Highway between kilometres 1 and 36.
Dempster Highway Cutoff and Henderson Corner, including all properties along the North Klondike Highway between kilometres 693 and 672.
An Evacuation Alert means a threat is 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.
If you’re heading out of cell service, download the Alertable app. www.alertable.ca
This app shows emergency alerts including evacuation alerts and orders. It works with an internet connection and doesn’t require cell service.
The Dawson region is experiencing high fire activity. With multiple fires in the region, firefighting resources are stretched. With current resources, Wildland Fire is focusing efforts in the populated areas around the community, including West Dawson, Sunnydale and the Klondike Valley.
Keeping the highways open remains a priority, but expect closures on short notice due to fire activity. Check 511 for updates. Outside resources are already on site, and additional resources have been requested to support fire management efforts in the area.
A structure protection team from Alberta arrived today and they will be setting up a water supply line up to Upper West Dawson along the Top of the World Highway. Please be mindful of crews in the area and drive with caution.
More structural protection equipment will arrive in Dawson within the next few days and will be crossing on the ferry to West Dawson. This heavy equipment will help our crews to continue their structural protection work.
Quebec Creek fire (DA-012)
Aircraft were able to estimate the perimeter of the Quebec Creek fire (DA-012) at 3229 hectares. The fire had minimal growth towards Upper West Dawson and remains around 10 kilometres away. The fire has not crossed the highway, or the Yukon River.
Structural protection plan has been made for the Moosehide. As more resources arrive, WFM will look to implement.
Heavy equipment has completed the cat guard above the Deadwood drainage and work in Sunnydale continues today. Structure protection, such as sprinklers, portable water sources and pumps, is in place for several properties and work continues today. This equipment is not being given out to the public, but installed by Wildland Fire personnel if necessary.
Mount Leotta fire (DA-016)
A flight was able to estimate the perimeter of the Mount Leotta fire (DA-016) at approximately 6894 hectares. Today, crews will continue their work. Crews have been successful in keeping the fire south of the highway. Lots of structural protection has been made. Moving forward, we will continue this work as crews will assess the safety to get heavy equipment closer to the fire.
Several values closest to the fire’s growth have been protected with tactical burning and structure protection, such as sprinklers and tree cutting. 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.
More structural protection will be put in place today. Plans for heavy equipment and dozer guard are currently being assessed.
Rabbit Creek fire (DA-007)
A flight was able to confirm the perimeter of the Rabbit Creek fire and the fire is confirmed at approximately 9200 hectares. Today, aircraft and crews will be working onsite to assess values and work on structural protection.
Goldfields: We are aware of fires in the goldfields. Roads are currently open. Miners should be in touch with the KPMA for any questions.
Read the full update, including information on highways, ferry and RV travel, clean air shelter, fuel and power at www.yukon.ca/emergencies or https://yukon.ca/…/dawson-region-wildfire-update-last…
Monday, June 23, 2025, 2:00 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
· Evacuation Alerts remain 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.
· Quebec Creek fire (DA-012): Yesterday aircraft was able to trace the perimeter of the Quebec Creek fire (DA-012), and the confirmed size is 3229 hectares. Most fire activity yesterday was on the east side of the fire towards the Yukon River. The fire had minimal growth towards Upper West Dawson and remains around 10 kilometres away. The fire has not crossed the highway.
· Heavy equipment has completed dozer guard above the Deadwood drainage and work in Sunnydale continues today. Structure protection, such as sprinklers, portable water sources and pumps, is in place for several properties and work continues today. A heavy structure protection unit from Alberta is expected to arrive Monday night to assist with this work. This equipment is not being given out to the public, but installed by Wildland Fire personnel if necessary.
· Mount Leotta fire (DA-016): A flight was able to confirm the perimeter of the Mount Leotta fire (DA-016) yesterday and the fire is a confirmed 5931 hectares. Yesterday, most of the fire’s activity was on the east flank, towards Henderson Creek. Crews have been successful in keeping the fire south of the highway.
· Several values closest to the fire’s growth have been protected with tactical burning and structure protection, such as sprinklers. 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.
· More structural protection will be put in place today. Plans for heavy equipment and dozer guard are currently being assessed. · For more information on wildfires, visit: https://wildfires.service.yukon.ca/
Highway Information
· Highway status can change fast due to wildfire activity. During this period of high wildfire activity, we aim to get vehicles through when it is safe. The latest status can always be found at: https://511yukon.ca/
· 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.
· If 511 says “Piloted Vehicle Shuttles happening while conditions allow”, pilot vehicles are running. If 511 says “Piloted Vehicles suspended”, pilot vehicles are suspended. If 511 says “closed” with no pilot vehicles mentioned, the highway is closed.
· HWY-5/Dempster Highway is open with a Travel Advisory.
· HWY-9/Top of the World Highway is open with a Travel Advisory.
· HWY-2/North Klondike Highway has piloted vehicle shuttles running between Henderson Corner and Tintina Trench Lookout, (km 697-km 655), a section that includes the Dempster Cutoff. Drivers should wait at the closure and then follow the pilot vehicle through.
Smoke and Clean Air
· Dawson is smoky right now. Wildfire smoke can affect your health.
· The best thing that you can do 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 is open 9 am – 7 pm this week as a clean air shelter and hub for community members looking for information, masks, or clean air.
· If you have health concerns about smoke, call 8-1-1 to speak to a Registered Nurse, or contact your healthcare provider.
· 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
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.
Dawson Area Wildfires Update (Sunday, June 22, 2025, 2:00 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, Yukon – Municipal Government, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government, and Government of Yukon emergency response agencies.
> 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.
Read the full update, including information on highways, ferry and RV travel, clean air shelter, fuel and power at www.yukon.ca/emergencies
June 21, 2025, 4:00 pm
The Yukon Emergency Measures Organization has issued an evacuation alert for the areas around the Dempster Highway Cutoff and Henderson Corner, including all properties along the North Klondike Highway between kilometres 693 and 672. This alert is in response to danger from the Mount Leotta fire (DA-016).
The Yukon Emergency Measures Organization has also issued an evacuation alert for West Dawson, including all properties along the Top of the World Highway between kilometres 1 and 36. This alert is in response to danger from the Quebec Creek Wildfire (DA-012). The Top of the World Highway (HWY- 9) is currently CLOSED in both directions from roadway marker 4 to roadway marker 104. The status of the road could change quickly depending on wildfire status.
If you are in the affected areas, you are NOT currently being asked to evacuate your property. An evacuation alert gives you time to prepare yourself and your property so that you can leave safely if ever an evacuation order were to become necessary. An evacuation order may be issued if the fires directly threaten people and property. If an evacuation order is issued, you should be prepared to leave within three hours of being notified.
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For information on how to prepare for an evacuation, and to find the latest information on wildfires in the Yukon, visit www.yukon.ca/emergency. TH Citizens requiring assistance with preparing for an evacuation can call our Citizen Information Line at (867) 993-3125.
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For information on road closures and conditions, call 5-1-1 or visit 511yukon.ca. For immediate threats to life and property, call 9-1-1.
