WHITEHORSE, YT – The North Klondike Highway remains closed between Stewart Crossing and Pelly Crossing due to a wildfire. The Yukon’s Department of Highways and Public Works says the closures will likely remain an ongoing situation in the coming days.
A travel advisory remains in place for that stretch of highway due to impacts from the Wrong Lake wildfire complex, a pair of fires that had burned into each other and have created a single fire front. Yukon Wildland Fire Management currently classifies the complex as out of control, with a combined size estimated to be a little more than 105 square kilometers in size by Wednesday afternoon.
Conditions in the area are currently extremely smoky, and the Department of Highways and Public works says smoke had reduced visibility to just 100 meters on Tuesday. Yukon Wildland Fire Management says the fire has already jumped the highway twice, and wind gusts have been a major concern for wildfire crews. Conditions on the ground have been volatile at times, with thunder cells passing over the area and whipping up fire activity as they pass.
A Pilot Car service has been established to escort travelers through the area when the highway is open, but the Department of Highways and Public Works warns that the availability of this service can change quickly and without warning, as crews react to conditions on the ground.
The Department has asked that travelers through the area plan to be self-sufficient and ensure that you’ve packed enough food, fuel and water for the trip.
Mayo Foods has extended their hours until 9pm to support stranded travelers in need of food, and the Selkirk First Nation has opened up their Link Building to support travelers as well.
An update on the North Klondike Highway will be provided by the Department of Highways and Public Works at noon tomorrow, June 27th.
