Lightning was responsible for five new wildfires in the northern part of the territory Tuesday afternoon.

The most notable of the new activity is a 35-hectare fire reported just after 1 p.m. that's burning in the Dawson City district near kilometre 280 of the Dempster Highway.

"The fire started approximately two kilometres west of the highway, and, as a safety precaution, pilot vehicles are being used on the portion of the highway that is being impacted by smoke,” duty officer Mike Sparks said today.

"This morning, firefighters are on-site putting structural protection in place on a cabin located five kilometres west of the fire.”

Last night, the fire received some precipitation as scattered showers were reported along parts of the Dempster Highway.

Officials further assessed the blaze this morning as firefighters continued their structural protection work.

Meanwhile, two fires were discovered in the Old Crow district and two in the Mayo district. All of these fires are burning in the wilderness zone and currently are not posing a threat to any values.

They will continue to be monitored by fire officials.

In the past 48 hours, the wildfire totals in the Yukon have doubled as lightning activity has intensified in the central and northern parts of the territory.

While the fire danger rating is moderate in much of the territory, the Carmacks and Haines Junction districts are at an extreme fire danger.

The public is reminded that burning permits are suspended when the fire danger rating is moderate, high or extreme.

"When having a campfire, please burn responsibly and ensure all fires are fully extinguished before leaving the area,” Yukon Wildland Fire Management said today.

"In addition, please report any Yukon wildfires to 1-888-798-FIRE (3473).”

With the recent activity, there have now been 11 fires in the territory burning approximately 346 hectares of forest.