Yukon firefighters choose priorities among 43 wildfires

Yukon's hot and dry spring continues to foster new fires, with YukonWildland Fire Management reporting23 blazes starting over the weekend.

Firefighters from Ontario are helping Yukon crews as they prioritise their response. Forty-three fires are now active inthe territory, more than the 32 fire total for all of last year.

A large fire burning in the Watson Lake district has been causing "light ash" to fall in the community.

Authorities say the fire does not immediately threaten buildings, as it isburning 83 kilometres northwest of Watson Lakein a remote area, however they are warning residentsthere may besmoke and ash in the air.

Smoke may also become visible in Dawson City, depending on wind conditions.

Fire 2km from mining camp

A 300-hectare fire near Scroggie Creek is burningwithin two kilometres of a mining camp.Firefighters have installed sprinklersto help protect the camp.

A 400-hectare fire continues to burn near the Casino Mine in the Beaver Creek fire district. Officials say aWildland Fire Management Response Officer is assessing the mine area for structural protection.

A fire burning 30 kilometres east of LakeLabergecontinues to grow.WildlandFire Management says smoke will be visible from the Whitehorse area but says the blaze it not considered to be a riskto people or property.

Firefighters with helicopters are assessing a newfire spotted Monday at kilometre66 of theDempsterHighway.

Most of this season's fires have been sparked by lightning, howeversome have been caused by unattended bonfires and even farm equipment.

Anyone who sees a wildfire is urged to call Yukon's wildfire hotline at 1-888-798-FIRE (3473).