Whitehorse, YT – Smokey conditions around southwest Yukon largely come from the Snag Lake wildfire burning near Wellesley Lake which has resulted in the evacuation of four people from a nearby fishing lodge.
The Snag Lake wildfire is currently classified as out-of-control and is situated along the western edge of Wellesley Lake, about 30 kilometers north of the Alaska Highway.
While the fire was relatively quiet on Monday due to some precipitation, Yukon Wildland Fire Management says the fire produced significant smoke due to overnight winds. Smoke from the fire reached Whitehorse and is heavily affecting the southwest Yukon.
Smoke is also visible in Beaver Creek and Burwash with additional smoke in Watson Lake and the southeast Yukon from wildfires in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.
Four people were evacuated from the Kluane Wilderness Lodge where three cabins were destroyed. Wildfire crews are currently working on protecting structures around the lodge.
According to Yukon Protective Services the Alaska Highway and nearby buildings are not currently at risk.
Officials anticipate reduced fire activity with cooler temperatures expected but significant smoke is likely to persist.
