Yukon wildfire approaching Fort Selkirk historic site

Yukon fire crews are working to protect two mining camps near Dawson City, while plans are being developed in central Yukon to protect historic Fort Selkirk from a fire threat.

A 900 hectare fire is burning just 8.5 kilometres from the historic site. 

The territory's crews are fortunate to have some extra help — 50 extra firefighters arrived this week from B.C. and Alberta. 

"The timing couldn't have been better," says Fire Information Officer George Maratos. ​"Hats off to the wildland fire management meteorologist for his forecast." 

Officials were anticipating more lightning-caused fires this week, "and that was the case," Maratos says. 

Eleven new fires started yesterday, bringing the total number of fires now burning up to 112.

There have been 150 fires so far this year in the Yukon, burning almost 56,000 hectares.

Last summer, there were just 32 wildfires in the territory.