WHITEHORSE -- Yukon firefighters are staying busy with more warm weather and a dozen new wildfires sparked in the past day.
Twenty-seven firefighters worked with heavy equipment on the Crystal Lake fire Thursday that closed part of the Klondike Highway near Stewart Crossing, while a power pole that burned was successfully replaced.
The government says in a news release that a wildfire near Whitehorse was also declared held at eight hectares.
Temperatures cooled by a degree or two with the highs remaining in the mid- to upper 20s, while some scattered showers and storms are expected in most areas.
The government says there are 144 active fires and more than 660 square kilometres of land in the territory has burned this season - more than double last year.
Environment Canada has issued air quality and special weather statements due to wildfire smoke that has spread throughout central and northern Yukon.
The smoke is creating localized reductions in air quality and also potentially limiting the rise of daytime temperatures after a heat wave early this week, although temperatures remain above normal.
Environment Canada warns that wearing a mask in wildfire smoke may lead to a false sense of security, while making breathing more difficult.
It encourages residents to take extra precautions to reduce exposure.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 7, 2022.
