Fire outside Dawson City grows overnight
Fire has grown to 48 hectares says Yukon Wildland Fire Management
A fire burning near the Klondike Highway, near Dawson City, Yukon, is now estimated to be 48 hectares in size.
The fire was estimated at 5 hectares on May 14.
Yukon Wildland Fire Management believes people are responsible for causing the fire, rather than natural causes.
Duty Officer Lorne Harris says firefighters are working near the Klondike Highway, about 500 metres from the Dempster Corner.
Firefighters working on the ground are being supported by helicopters.
"Good progress was made on the fire last night but it is hot and dry in the area and therefore the fire remains active," Harris says, in Wildland Fire Management's daily update.
"Crews were on site early this morning and will continue working to contain the fire throughout the day and into the evening."
The North Klondike Highway remains open, but Yukon Wildland Fire Management says anyone driving the highway should expect delays due to smoke in the area.
Travelers can visit www.yukon511.ca for updates on road conditions.
Fire danger 'extreme' this weekend
As of May 15 the fire danger rating is "extreme" in much of the territory.
Locations include Haines Junction, Watson Lake, Whitehorse, Carmacks and Mayo. This rating means that all burning permits are suspended.
Two airtanker groups contracted by Yukon Wildland Fire Management are scheduled to arrive in Yukon this weekend.
According to Wildland Fire Management, they will be conducting practice flights near Whitehorse and respond to wildfires as required.
The number to report wildfires in Yukon is 1-888-798-FIRE (3473).