Photo: Courtesy of Wildland Fire
The Yukon Government announced a state of emergency in Mayo and the surrounding area
MAYO – The Government of Yukon has declared a state of emergency for the Village of Mayo and the surrounding area.
Following a special meeting of the Executive Council and discussions with Mayo Mayor Trevor Ellis and Chief Dawna Hope of the First Nation of Na-cho Nyäk Dun, the Government of Yukon has declared a state of emergency under the Civil Emergency Measures Act for Mayo and surrounding areas affected by or at risk of wildfire.
This is a limited state of emergency that covers a 15-kilometer radius around the community. This proclamation supplements the municipal state of emergency announced by the Village of Mayo on Sunday, August 6, 2023, which ended at 3:30 p.m. on August 8, 2023.
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn says the declaration gives clarity to the fire responders on what they have authority over.
“This emergency declaration helps responders and law enforcement working with local partners to manage the situation, including making sure people stay out of harm’s way. While evacuation alerts and orders can be issued without a state of emergency, this declaration provides absolute clarity to our responders that they have full authority to protect persons and property, maintain and control the use of roads and streets, assist law enforcement, and conduct any other activities considered necessary to save this community from fire. We are hopeful this will be a temporary measure and want to thank emergency responders, who are working tirelessly to protect the lives and property of area residents. We thank them for everything they’re doing under these extraordinary and difficult circumstances.”
The Talbot Creek Fire continues to threaten the Village of Mayo and the Na-cho Nyäk Dun First Nation community. Wildland Fire Management, in collaboration with the Village of Mayo Volunteer Fire Department, the RCMP, the Special Heavy Operations Team (SHOT), and other response agencies continue safeguarding the community.
