Fire could have been serious, official says

Both volunteer and Wildland Fire Management crews were quick to respond to a spot-size fire in very windy conditions in the Ibex Valley last night.

Both volunteer and Wildland Fire Management crews were quick to respond to a spot-size fire in very windy conditions in the Ibex Valley last night.

Officials said today the fire, located along the Scout Lake Road near the Ibex River, was human-caused, and an investigation is ongoing.

The fire, the first of the season in the Whitehorse district, was reported just before 8 p.m. Upon notification, firefighters from the Ibex Volunteer Fire Department immediately responded.

A short time later, seven Wildland firefighters along with a helicopter were on the scene as well.

“We were very lucky out there,“ Jim Kathrein, the area protection officer for the Whitehorse fire district, said today.

“There was a lot of wind in the area at the time, and if not for the quick response by both volunteer and Wildland firefighters, this fire could have resulted in a much more serious situation.“

Firefighters returned to the scene today to conduct mop-up on the fire. It was expected the blaze would be officially called out by early this afternoon.

This fire marks the sixth of the 2008 fire season, all of which have been human-caused.

Fire officials are urging the public to use caution when conducting any kind of burning. They are reminding Yukoners that they are required to obtain a burning permit to burn grass, brush or debris in the territory between April 1 and Sept. 30.

Wildland Fire Management would like to thank the public for their continued co-operation in reporting wildfires. If you see one, please call 1-888-798-FIRE (3473).