Extremely dry conditions as crews fight wildfire near Haines Junction

Firefighters in Yukon continue tobattlea wildfire 40 kilometres northwest of Haines Junction, near the Alaska Highway.

Officials with Yukon Wildland Fire Management said on Sunday the fire was human-caused, and about 23 hectares in size. On Monday, they were better able tomap the fire at 13 hectares.

"The initial burning conditions of this fire were very challenging due to the dry fuels in the area," said Kris Johnson, Yukon duty officer, in a news release.

Johnson said crews responded immediately to the blaze after it was reported on Saturday evening due to the fire's close proximity to the highway and community.

Two helicopters and both air tanker groups are assisting in fighting the fire.

As of Sunday evening, the fire was reported as active but not growing. Fire crews are expecting to continue working the fire this week until it is fully contained.

Two other, smaller fires were also reported over the weekend one in the Kluane region and one in the Southern Lakes region.That bringsthe number of forest fires in the territory this year to 10.

Officials also say dry conditions across the territory mean there's at least a "moderate" risk of wildfire in all regions, and an "extreme" risk in most, including Haines Junction, Burwash, Whitehorse, Braeburn, Stewart Crossing, Watson Lake and the Tatchunregion (Carmacks, Faro and Ross River).