Residents remain on alert as Ibex Valley fire continues to grow

Tuesday, 11 July 2023 10:36

By Stuart Bonell

Fire near Takhini Bridge has grown to near 800 hectares

As the Ibex Valley wildfire approaches 800 hectares, local residents remain on alert while firefighters continue to focus on containment and damage control.

"We're reinforcing the guard to prevent growth towards the things that are in the fire's path, or potentially at risk from the fire," said Yukon Government fire information officer Mike Fancie.

Favourable winds and containment work has kept the wildfire, which was reported Saturday evening, from approaching the highway and residences in the Takhini River Subdivision.

Ground crews, including Yukon First Nation Wildfire’s seventeen-person unit crew and the Yukon Fire Marshal’s Special Heavy Operations Team, are supported by three helicopters, air tanker groups, and heavy equipment.

The cause of the fire is still unknown. The Yukon Emergency Measures Organization issued an evacuation alert for residents in Ibex Valley east of the Takhini River late Saturday night.

The fire is approximately two kilometres south of the Takhini River Bridge.

Residents can pre-register for emergency support services by calling 332-4597.

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