Evacuation alert issued for Stewart Crossing, Yukon, due to wildfire

An evacuation alert has been issued for Stewart Crossing, Yukon, and a stretch of the North Klondike Highway due to a nearby wildfire.

The alert which is notan evacuation order was issued late Wednesday afternoon for the central Yukon community and the area between kilometres 522 and 538 on the highway.

"Other areas may be affected as time goes on," the alert reads.

It says the alert was issued because of fire activity south of Crooked Creek.

Residents in the affected area are asked to be ready to leave on short notice, if necessary. The alert also encourages people to "proactively relocate, prior to the hazard affecting the area directly."

Fire crews have been battling two out-of-control wildfires this week near the highway between Pelly Crossing and Stewart Crossing, and the highway has been closed several times in recent days. It was closed again late Wednesday afternoon.

As of Wednesday, the Wrong Lake fire was an estimated 10,487 hectares in size and was getting a full response. The Willow Creek fire, a little further south, was about 1,819 hectares on Wednesday and also getting a full response.

Officials said Tuesday thatthere were only 100 metres of visibility on the highway due to heavy smoke. Pilot cars were guiding drivers through the area when conditions allowed.

Also lateWednesday afternoon, fire officials said air tankers and helicopters had been sent to a new wildfire reported northeast of Dawson City. They said it was a "developing incident" and more information would be provided when available.