Photo: Yukon Forest Fire

At a viewpoint from the Klondike Highway in the Yukon Territory, a forest fire rages in the hillsides on the opposite side of the lake.

A picture like this breaks one's heart as you know that thousands of trees are being burnt and wildlife is running in all directions from this forest fire. There are not enough words to explain the sadness that people feel when driving along Yukon highways and the scenery has been blanketed by massive clouds of smoke.Summer is the worst time of year for forest fires as the land and forests in the Yukon are extremely dry and the slightest spark can ignite a forest fire. Some of these fires can rage for months while others may be under control in a matter of a week or two.A majority of the forest fires that are started are caused by humans who have been careless while the odd one can begin from a lightening strike. Whichever way a forest fire begins, the things that are in dangers path are always the the forests, houses and wildlife.The destruction that a forest fire can cause is incredible and pictures like this reminds people to always be very careful when hiking in the wilderness. ... continue below the picture...

... The Yukon Territory has an average of about one hundred forest fires during a year's time that burns approximately two hundred hectares. Firemen in the Yukon are well prepared and work very hard to keep these horrible disasters under control.A scene from the Klondike Highway in the Yukon Territory of Canada, North America.