Yukon Wildland Fire Management officials have implemented a ban on all open fires within the fire management areas of Dawson City, Mayo, Carmacks, Ross River, Whitehorse, Teslin, Haines Junction and Beaver Creek. It took effect Monday.

“This ban applies to all campgrounds and open fires, including campfires outside of campgrounds,” Wildland Fire said in a statement.

“This ban also prohibits the use of fireworks and burning in any landfill or dump site in Yukon.”

Closed cooking utensils such as barbecues with lids and small cook stoves are excluded from the ban, but must be used with extreme caution.

Officials are monitoring campgrounds and dumps to ensure the ban is being respected.

“Individuals not respecting this ban may be subject to prosecution,” Wildland Fire said.

For questions about the fire ban, members of the public are asked to call officials at 867-456-3845.

As the spell of hot, dry weather continues, the largest wildfire, the Hunker Creek fire, located 26 kilometres southeast of Dawson City, has expanded, and was reported at 7,513 ha. Monday

Wildland’s priority is to protect life and property in the area and preventing the fire’s spread.

An information booth has been set up along the North Klondike Highway south of Dawson to brief motorists about the possibility of having to close the highway for an undetermined period if the fire ends up crossing it. Such an event would also place power and fibre optic cables at risk.

The fire is not threatening Dawson, as the town is far enough away to be safe.

Another fire near Beaver Creek was reported last Saturday. It caused the closure of the North Alaska Highway for six hours, due to smoke conditions.

Considered out of control, the lightning-caused blaze was 617 ha. in size Monday.

Another fire is burning on Volcano Mountain, threatening Pelly Farm.

This fire was 2,400 ha in size Monday. Reported last Thursday afternoon, it’s considered out of control.

Wildland Fire has brought in support from other jurisdictions.

Crews have been called in from British Columbia and one from the Northwest Territories.

To view a map of where the fire ban is in place, and to find current fire updates, follow Yukon Protective Services on Facebook and Twitter or visit https:// www.yukon.ca/wildfires.