Dawson community wildfire protection plan finalized

Press Release

The safety and wellbeing of Yukoners are top priorities of the Government of Yukon. In keeping with this priority, Dawson’s new community wildfire protection plan has been finalized by working group partners at the City of Dawson, the Government of Yukon and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government.

A community wildfire protection plan is a strategy for reducing the wildland fire risk around a community, balancing public safety needs with local priorities. Creating a community wildfire protection plan is a collaborative effort between Yukon First Nations governments, municipal governments and the Government of Yukon, with communities creating their plans with support and technical input from the Government of Yukon.

The Dawson Community Wildfire Protection Plan identifies areas of risk and recommends prevention strategies, including FireSmart treatments and community education. Like other community wildfire protection plans, Dawson’s includes prioritized areas where fuel management should take place and includes recommendations to reduce the chances that wildland fires will damage structures.

Completing plans for 14 Yukon communities by 2026 is a goal outlined in the Yukon’s Our Clean Future strategy. Faro, Haines Junction, Whitehorse, Teslin and now Dawson have completed plans. Individuals and families are still encouraged to have a household emergency plan and prepare a 72 hour emergency kit. More information about emergency kits and household emergency plans can be found at https://yukon.ca/en/emergencies-and-safety.

By proactively implementing wildfire hazard reduction measures with support from the Government of Yukon, communities can enhance their resiliency against the threat of wildfires, safeguarding both Yukoners and their property across the territory.

The Yukon government, City of Dawson and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government have come together to create a plan that will safeguard the community and its rich heritage. This achievement demonstrates the strength of collaboration and the importance of preparing for the challenges of a changing climate. Together, we are creating wildfire-resilient communities for a safer, stronger future.

Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn

Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government is pleased to have a formal trilateral plan in place for management of wildfire risks to Dawson. We will continue to make the safety of our Citizens, heritage and lands a priority through co-management of our traditional lands as outlined in our Final Agreement.

Director of Natural Resources for Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Alice McCulley

Wildland Fire Management has been and continues to be a valuable resource and community partner for the people of Dawson and area. Their work on fire prevention and response is greatly appreciated and increasingly important as we experience climate change firsthand.

City of Dawson Mayor Stephen Johnson

Quick facts

• Plans for Haines Junction and Teslin were approved in 2022, and plans for Faro and Dawson were approved in 2024.
• The community wildfire protection plan equivalent for Whitehorse is the Whitehorse Wildfire Risk Reduction Strategy.
• All final and draft plans are available online at https://yukon.ca/community-wildfire-protection-plans.

Media contact
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Julia Duchesne
Comunications, Community Services
867-332-4188
julia.duchesne@yukon.ca

IHT5