The Yukon Forest Service is now fighting the largest forest fires reported this year. All large fires are located in the north central part of the territory.

The largest is a 52,000 acre blaze at Highet Creek 40 to 45 miles northwest of Mayo.

A total of 22 fires have been reported so far this year in the Mayo area of which 15 were burning as of Friday noon.

Three fires located in the Sixtymile River area of Dawson merged this week to form one large blaze of 10,000 acres.

A total of 450 to 500 men are fighting all fires in the Yukon, said a forestry spokesman.

Two fires burning in the Mayo district also merged to form a 24,000 acre blaze.

The spokesman said there was no threat of the two large fires merging.

Fires in other districts such as Watson Lake and Faro were reported to be under control and in the process of being mopped up.

No communities are currently threatened by any of the fires but the North Canol Road was closed to traffic yesterday because of a fire on the road.

A total of 122 fires have been reported so far this year of which 38 are still burning.