The first lightning-caused fire of the season was reported at approximately 4:15 p.m. Monday in the Mayo district.

The blaze was confirmed near Pirate Creek by bird-dog aircraft. The 40-hectare fire is currently 42 kilometres southwest of Stewart Crossing.

"The fire will not be actioned by firefighters at this time as it is located in the wilderness zone and there are currently no values at risk,” duty officer Mike Sparks said this morning.

"The fire will continue to be monitored closely, and later today, additional patrols will be done as there is potential for more lightning starts.”

Monday's fire was the sixth in the territory this season. So far, an estimated 41 hectares have burned. At this time last year, 13 fires had consumed 80 hectares.

Meteorologist Mike Smith notes that there were 173 lightning strikes in the territory Monday.

Most were in the Old Crow and Dawson districts as well as northern portions of the Mayo district.

As a result, further patrols were conducted in the Eagle Plains area of the Dempster Highway late this morning where there were reports of four fires Monday.

Scattered showers and thundershowers forecast for the rest of the week in most parts of the territory should help diminish the fire danger, but the probability of lightning is forecast to remain high.

As a result, it could ignite more fires, officials said.

The public is reminded to burn responsibly and ensure all fires are fully extinguished before leaving the area.

Permits are required for backyard burning and members of the public are encouraged to contact their regional district office to obtain a permit and to get more information about safe burning practices.

Any Yukon wildfires should be reported to 1-888-798-3473 (FIRE).