Forest fire near Mayo now top priority for Yukon crews

A forest fire near Mayo, Yukon, that started Wednesday is now the top priority for firefighters in the territory, according to Yukon Wildland Fire Management.

The 12-hectare fire near Francis Lake is about19 kilometres southeast of Mayo, which has a population of about 400. The fire has been deemed a priority because of its proximity to the community andthe area's dry conditions.

"Obviously, the priority is to limit the growth of that fire and eventually extinguish it," saidFire Information Officer George Maratos.

The fire was started by lightning and was first reported at 4p.m. Wednesday. Helicopters, air tankers and ground fire crews are fighting it.

It's one of 16 fires currently burning in the territory. Most arein remote areas.

Crews continueto fight the firenear the North Klondike Highway near Dawson City, holding it at37.5 hectares.

Yukon has now put out a call for more fire crews from outside the territory.

Maratos says it's a proactive measure.

"With the hot conditions expected to continue and lightning in the forecast, [it's]better to have them on the ground and ready to respond immediately than to bring them in while we're already in a situation."

The additional crewsare expected toarrive this weekend.