Wildfire poses the greatest risk of catastrophe to Whitehorse.
We want to help you be prepared for when it happens.
Fire is a natural element of the Canadian landscape. When it approaches urban environments, it poses a significant threat.
Fire is agile. It spreads quickly through a variety of means to find sources of ignition.
Chief among them are embers, which can travel a considerable distance from a fire. Preparing your home to defend against embers is one of the most important things you can do.
Through partnership and collaboration with governments and other organizations, the Wildfire Awareness Society seeks to inspire people in the Yukon to reduce their vulnerability to wildfire.
We advocate for the development of evacuation plans that effectively address the threat of wildfire to Yukon communities.
We urge you act now to prepare your home for the arrival of a wildfire in Whitehorse.
Here are some online resources we think you'll find helpful.
In July 2023 this wildfire burned out of control just 42 kilometers north of Whitehorse.
By submitting this form you are providing the Wildfire Awareness Society to deliver information to you via email.
The Wildfire Awareness Society was formed in response to the Fort McMurray Fire in 2017 by a group of concerned Whitehorse residents. It was formally registered as a society in early 2023.
You can reach us at info@wildfireawareness.org.
In 2016, wildfire swept through a community near Fort McMurray. It forced the largest wildfire evacuation in Alberta's history. More than 88,000 people had to leave their homes
Alan Westhaver
Wildfire Awareness Society leadership
Stuart Clark
Stu has decades of experience as a teacher and leader on the international stage. He has worked in the areas of rural development, food security and textile development. He believes that solutions can be found by bringing people together.
Sue Johnson
Florian Boulais
Sue is dedicated to her community. She served on a number of boards previously that all focused on improving the conditions of her fellow citizens. Helping them prepare for a wildfire is her current priority.
Florian is multidisciplinary. His guiding principle and professional pursuit is to build resilience in Yukon people and organizations. He is a local businessperson and volunteers as an EMS member and firefighter.
David Loeks
David has decades of professional forestry experience in the Yukon, and specializes in wildfire risk management. In 2021 he co-authored, "Whitehorse 20-year Fire Risk Management Strategy," the most comprehensive wildfire plan in the Yukon.
Sandy Johnston
Sandy is a retired biologist. He works with a number of organizations that are concerned about the environment and potential impacts of climate change. Sandy has voluntarily managed a number of FireSmart projects in the southern Whitehorse area.