Hot, dry weather amps up wildfire danger in Yukon

Yukoners are being warned to be extra cautious right now, after nearly a week of warm, dry weather in many regions of the territory.

Fire danger ratings are now considered "extreme" in the areas around Whitehorse, Watson Lake, Haines Junction, Ross River and Carmacks. On Friday,the rating was "low" or"moderate" in most regions, with "extreme" conditions only around Ross River.

Crews were already busy Mondaybattling a 75-hectare blaze nearHunker Creek, about 24 kilometres southeast of Dawson City.

"Crews are responding with helicopters and equipment and they'll continue to do so.It's the only active fire in the territory right now, so that enables us to move resources around and action it as necessary," said George Maratos, Yukon's fire information officer.

Maratos said the HunkerCreekfire was caused by lightning, but two others reported on the weekend were caused by people. Fire fighters were quickly able to control them.

So far this year, there have been 10 wildfires reported in Yukon.

Maratos reminds people to think twice about having a campfire when conditions are extremely dry, and to always make sure fires are fully extinguished before leaving them.

"We can't really control the humans," Maratos said."It's up to each individual to be responsible and do their part."

Weather forecasts are predicting cooler temperatures with possible showers in the next few days in Yukon, but many regions could see warm, dry weather return by the weekend.