Smoky conditions around the territory are expected to continue as fires in the Mayo and Carmacks area continue to burn.

Paddlers are being advised to avoid potentially dangerous areas.

Strong variable winds combined with hot and dry conditions resulted in larger fires Sunday, most notably on the Mandanna Lake and Little Salmon River where rank six fire behavior was observed Sunday evening.

"These fires are very active and very visible with columns of smoke an estimated 20,000 feet in the sky,” duty officer Lorne Harris with Wildland Fire Managment said in a statement Sunday night.

"Airtankers and helicopters were actioning the fires but have since stopped action given the extreme fire behavior.”

The fire near Little Salmon River has grown to the east but the exact size of growth cannot be determined because of the thick smoky conditions.

It is scheduled to be reassessed by fire officials today.

The burn-off procedure that was planned for Sunday afternoon did not take place as the weather conditions were not conducive.

The Robert Campbell Highway was closed as a safety measure and remained closed this morning. The public can visit www.511yukon.ca for the latest road conditions. 

The 8,700-hectare fire at Mandanna Lake in the Carmacks district was also very active Sunday evening and jumped the Yukon River.

The fire's growth has been on the north and east side and not towards Carmacks. Work will continue on the priority areas today.

Meanwhile, with the recent increase in fire activity fire officials are advising paddlers to avoid the Little Salmon River and the portion of the Yukon River near Carmacks given the current fire behavior and the forecast hot and dry conditions.

"These fires are very active and will be for some time given the long range forecast,” said Harris. "We are asking all those planning to paddle in these areas to make alternative plans as the rivers will be very smoky and potentially dangerous.”

Officials are also closely monitoring the lightning-caused fire in the Mayo district at Ethel Lake as it also was showing increased fire behavior Sunday.

It was to be further assessed by fire officials this morning and if necessary structural protection will take place. Officials will also be patrolling other parts of the territory to assess the fire situation.

In addition to the increase in fire behavior, two new fires were also reported early Sunday evening in the Mayo district.

A human-caused fire at the Mayo Dump that was immediately attended to by volunteer and Wildland firefighters as well as a helicopter.

The fire is now fully contained.

The other new fire Sunday is located north of Barlow in the wilderness zone with no values at risk.

There are currently 86 fires burning in the territory and as result increased smoky conditions can be expected in Carmacks and Mayo as well as Whitehorse and the surrounding areas.

With warm temperatures and dry conditions in the forecast next week fire officials are urging the public to be responsible while having a campfire and to ensure any fires lit are completely extinguished and cold to touch. The public is also asked to continue to report wildfires to 1-888-798-3473.