New fire being fought 138km north of Watson Lake, Yukon

Ninenew fires were caused by lightning on Monday, according to Yukon Wildland Fire Management, the most notable beinga 50-hectare blazein the Watson Lake district near Frances Lake.

Earlier this weekfire authorities noted that 'light ash' was falling on the community but did not consider the community or properties to be atrisk.

The new fire 138 kilometres north of Watson Lake is being attacked from the air using water and flame retardantas there are several properties at risk in the area.

Yukon Wildland Fire Management says people should expect to see smoke over many locations across the territoryas more than50fires are currently burning.

While this year's wildfire season is more intense than usual the fires have not caused any reported cases of injury or damage to property.

Casino Mine site sprinklered

One area of concern is the Casino Mine camp site near Carmacks. Firefighters are helping to protect that camp today.

Sprinklers have also been installed atmining camps sites in theBeaver Creek and Dawson fire districts.

Officials are also continuing to monitor a large fire burning about30 kilometres east of Lake Laberge,south of the confluenceof the Teslin River and Open Creek.

The fire has reached an approximate size of4,127 hectares andis burning in a wilderness zone.