Photo: Twitter Yukon firefighters remain busy with warmer weather and a dozen new fires 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 burned power pole was successfully replaced. The government says in a press release that a fire near Whitehorse has also been declared contained at eight hectares. Temperatures will drop a degree or two with highs remaining in the mid to upper 20s, while isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected in most areas. The government says there are 144 active fires and more than 660 square kilometers of land in the region has burned this season — more than double last year. Environment Canada has issued special air quality and weather statements due to wildfire smoke that has spread across central and northern Yukon. The smoke is creating local reductions in air quality and also potentially limiting the rise in daytime temperatures after a heat wave earlier this week, although temperatures remain above normal. Environment Canada warns that wearing a mask in fire smoke can lead to a false sense of security and make breathing difficult. It encourages residents to take extra precautions to reduce exposure.
