Yukon Wildland Fire Management staff were set to conduct another prescribed fire operation in the Mary Lake this week.

Today, a test burn was set to confirm whether conditions will allow for the operation on Wednesday and Thursday.

“Like all prescribed fire, this work takes place under strict weather and safety conditions to minimize risk to the public,” Wildland Fire Management said Monday afternoon.

“Crews will use prescribed fire to remove slash left over from last year’s fuel reduction work to make the Mary Lake Shaded Fuel Break more effective and create good growing conditions for the aspen trees that will be planted in the area next year.”

The Mary Lake Shaded Fuel Break is part of the Whitehorse South Fuel Break. This is a strategic fire guard that reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfire to the city and its surrounding subdivisions.

Last week’s burning operations prompted worried residents to call the Whitehorse Fire Department and media outlets to ask why the city was blanketed with smoke.

“While burning takes place, smoke will be visible from the work site,” Wildland Fire Management said.

“Public access will be limited to the area while Wildland Fire Management vehicles and staff are at work.”