The Ogilvie River Fire first discovered in the Klondike fire district Monday evening has now grown to 500 hectares, officials said today.

Burning approximately 10 kilometres from the Dempster Highway, the fire is located an estimated eight kilometres from the Ogilvie River highway maintenance camp.

"At this point, we will continue to monitor the fire as it is currently burning away from the maintenance camp," said duty officer Mike Sparks.

"A structural protection plan has been established and we are working closely with the Department of Highways and Public Works."

Meanwhile, two new fires were discovered in the Old Crow fire district Wednesday night.

At about 9 p.m. a blaze was reported near the Old Crow Flats, 40 kilometres east of Old Crow.

This morning, a birddog aircraft was deployed to the area to conduct a more thorough analysis of the fire.

The second fire Wednesday evening was detected by satellite and is burning approximately 14 kilometres east of the Peel River.

Due to the fire's location, officials from the Northwest Territories were to patrol the area this morning and provide a detailed assessment to Yukon Wildland Fire Management.

Both fires are believed to be lightning-caused, as close to 400 lightning strikes have been reported in the area in the past 24 hours.

The public is reminded that a burning permit is required to burn grass, brush or debris in the territory between April 1 and Sept. 30. Permits will be suspended when the fire danger rating is moderate or higher.