B.C. firefighters, support staff in Yukon to help battle wildfires

The Cap Mountain fire burning near Whitehorse, Yukon is shown on Tuesday July 5, 2022. Wildfires are breaking out across Yukon as lightning pummels the territory and a heat wave wears on, a fire information officer says. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Government of Yukon

Firefighters and support staff from British Columbia have been deployed to Yukon to help battle two wildfires that are impacting travel on a major route.

The Yukon government says in a release that most of the 150 personnel will be focusing their efforts on suppressing the Crystal Creek and Upper Willow Creek fires affecting the North Klondike Highway.

It says a fire camp with kitchen facilities, warehouses and management offices has been set up at Pelly Crossing, where a total of 165 people will be housed.

The territory says 166 wildfires are currently burning in Yukon.

Environment Canada has issued an air quality statement for five communities due to smoke from wildfires.

It says smoke is expected or occurring in Dawson City, Mayo, Old Crow and from Pelly to Carmacks.

The agency says smoke is reducing visibility and people may experience increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.

Children, seniors and those with heart disease or lung issues like asthma are especially at risk.

Environment Canada says that wearing a mask is generally not the best way to protect against pollutants and may lead to a false sense of security. It's encouraging residents to decrease their physical activity and time spent outdoors.

It also advises checking local weather forecasts and alerts so people know when to take extra care from wildfire smoke, which includes many potentially harmful chemicals.

Meantime, the BC Wildfire Service has posted on social media about a blaze burning on both sides of the provincial-territorial border. Located roughly 47 kilometres north of Atlin, the Tagish Lake wildfire is estimated to be 123 hectares.

"Ground crews are on site with support from aerial resources. The response is being co-ordinated between BCWS and Yukon Wildland Fire Management. B.C. and the Yukon have a mutual aid agreement to allow for a quick and efficient response to wildfires within the mutual aid zone," the service said in a tweet. 

With a file from CTV News Vancouver's Lisa Steacy.