New fire rules have been imposed in the Watson Lake Fire Management District as the region breaks heat records.

Cooking and warming fires are only allowed in the provided fire pits and stoves at road-accessible territorial and commercial campgrounds, Yukon Wildland Fire Management said.

There is an extreme fire danger due to hot and dry weather and a lack of rainfall.

The Watson Lake Fire Management District includes:

• the Town of Watson Lake, Upper Liard and Rancheria;

• the Alaska Highway from the B.C. border to 23 kilometres west of Rancheria;

• the Robert Campbell Highway from Watson Lake to 20 kilometres east of Finlayson Lake; and

• the Logan Mountains and the Liard Plateau.

“Now is the time for safe fire habits,” Wildland Fire Management said.

“We need your help to prevent human-caused wildfires. Under extreme conditions, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and challenge fire response efforts.”

Officials have advice for those building fires in areas where they’re permitted:

• Avoid building a fire in windy conditions.

• Do not build a fire larger than what you need.

• Always have an eye on your fire and keep water nearby.

• Ensure all fires are completely out before leaving them. Soak them with water, stir them, and repeating until the ashes are cold to the touch.