One new wildfire was discovered in the Watson Lake district Tuesday about a kilometre south of the Devon gas plant, approximately 300 kilometres east of Watson Lake.

Staff from the plant first noticed the fire late that morning, fire officials said Wednesday.

Several Devon staff members began to suppress the fire and Wildland Fire Management was notified of the situation.

One initial attack crew and a helicopter from the Watson Lake fire centre were dispatched and the fire was bucketed by helicopter.

The fire, which was fully extinguished, is thought to have been lightning-caused.

"This fire shows that even though we have had very little fire activity in the past few weeks, we are still in fire season and new starts are always possible," said duty officer Lorne Harris.

"Right now, the Watson Lake district is dry and we are expecting some lightning strikes in the area, so the public is reminded to be safe while burning and aware of any wildfires."

With this recent activity there have now been 57 wildfires in the territory this season, burning 15,000-plus hectares of forest.

A recent drying trend in some parts of the territory has brought the fire danger rating to the moderate level in the Haines Junction, Watson Lake and Ross River areas.

The public is reminded that they are required to obtain a burning permit to burn grass, brush or debris in the territory between April 1 and Sept. 30 and burning permits are suspended wherever the fire danger rating is moderate or higher.

Wildland Fire Management would like to thank the public for their continued cooperation in reporting wildfires. If you see a wildfire, please call 1-888-798-FIRE (3473)