Wildland fire parties unveil agreement

1 March 2022

Published by: https://www.whitehorsestar.com

CANADA – The territorial government (YG) and Yukon’s First Nations Wildfire are teaming up under the terms of a renewed three-year term.

In a news release issued last Thursday afternoon, Yukon Wildland Fire Management and Yukon First Nations Wildfire announced they have agreed on a new, three-year Unit Crew Services Agreement.

“Yukon First Nations have been integral to wildfire management in the Yukon for many years, and our government is pleased to continue to support and work with Yukon First Nations Wildfire through this new agreement,” said Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn. 

“This agreement will contribute to youth development, reinforce the positive working relationship between the Yukon government and Yukon First Nations Wildfire and set the foundation for our work together over the next several years.”

Frederick Koe, the chair of the Yukon First Nations Wildfire Limited Partnership, added, “We are pleased to enter into this new and important agreement that will support Yukon youth and benefit all Yukoners by enhancing wildfire resilience across the territory.

“This unit crew will be thoroughly trained to provide additional response resources for the Yukon, and the rest of Canada, to draw on during upcoming wildfire seasons.

“While not activated for fires, the crew will support fuel mitigation and fire preparedness activities, by engaging in fuel-break construction and FireSmart, as well as aid with any other hazard that may threaten Yukoners, such as flooding.”

Koe added the funding gives the organization the stability it needs to continue operations and training.

Under the agreement, funds provided by the territorial government will support Yukon First Nations Wildfire to employ 20 additional youth each year to assist with wildland fire response operations, and conduct forest fuel reduction and prevention and mitigation activities that will create wildfire-resilient Yukon communities.