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Yukon Forecasted for Average Forest Fire Season

Tuesday, 9 May 2017 15:36

Dry conditions may cause gradual increased threat in coming weeks.

Natural Resources Canada is forecasting an average wildfire season for much of the country this year.

Researchers say dry conditions and low precipitation in areas of Alberta, British Columbia, southern Yukon and the Northwest Territories may cause a gradual increase in fire threat in the coming weeks.

The danger for these areas - which include forests, shrubs and grasslands - is expected to peak in June and taper off later in the summer.

The 10-year average for a season is about 6,000 fires and a burn area of about 25,000 square kilometres.

The Canadian Forest Service warns there have been significant fires in the past under average conditions.

Scientist Kerry Anderson notes the Fort McMurray fire last year happened in what was forecasted to be a below-average season.

(The Canadian Press)

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