Yukon wildfire approaching Fort Selkirk historic site

Yukon firecrews are working toprotect two mining camps near Dawson City, while plans are being developed in central Yukontoprotect historic Fort Selkirkfrom a fire threat.

A900hectare fire isburning just 8.5kilometres from the historic site.

The territory's crews are fortunate to have some extra help50extra firefighters arrived this weekfrom B.C. and Alberta.

"The timing couldn't have been better," says Fire Information Officer GeorgeMaratos."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, bringingthe 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 wildfiresin the territory.