Smoky conditions expected as new fires burn near Yukon's Klondike Highway
Officials say fires may be visible near Gravel Lake and Flat Creek
It's expected to be smoky today along the North Klondike Highway in the Dawson fire district.
Yukon Wildland Fire Management says two new fires are burning beside the highway near Flat Creek and Gravel Lake, about 60 kilometres southeast of Dawson City. Fire crews from Yukon and Alberta, backed by air tankers and helicopters have contained the Gravel Lake fire, officials said Friday.
The Flat Creek fire remains "very active," fire officials say. The fire is not currently threatening the highway but smoky conditions can be expected from km 492 to km 624 and flames may be visible from the road. Check yukon511.ca for the latest road conditions.
Meanwhile, a fire west of Fort Selkirk has grown to more than 2,700 hectares. It's burning 8.5 kilometres from the historic site. In total, 13 new fires started yesterday, all caused by lightning.
More than 120 fires are burning in Yukon. So far this season, 163 fires have burned more than 72,000 hectares.