D.F. Merrill, Superintendent of Forestry, has just released forest fire statistics for the 1967 fire season in Yukon.

This fire season was the second most serious in recent years following closely behind the extreme 1966 season. In protected fire zones, campfires and children continued to be major causes, but considering all fires in both zones, Mr Merrill said lightning caused approximately 45% which is one of the highest incidents of lightning fires on record. Lightning fires also resulted in the greatest loss and expenditure.

Figures in the report reveal that in the protected zone, 169,834 acres were burned with the loss of 1,190,000 F.B.M of saw timer destroyed and 131,701 cords of smaller timber.

Damage to timber of marketable value, young growth, cut over and firefighting equipment totaled $200,466.20.

Actual fire fighting costs amounted to $255,118.34 making a total cost and damage of $455,584.54. Of the 73 fires reported over the past season, 30 of these occurred in June, 14 in July and 11 in August.

In unprotected fire zones, a total of 113,775 acres was burned, 70,000 R.B.M. of saw timber destroyed, 10,340 cords of smaller material. Damage has been tabulated at $67,573.75 in addition to the sum of $2,017.72 for actual fire fighting in these areas. Of the 25 fires reported in unprotected zones, 92% occurred in June.