Yukon Wildland Fire Management responded with two airtanker groups to a five-hectare lightning-caused fire in the Whitehorse fire district on Sunday afternoon.

It’s burning approximately 35 kilometres north of Lake Laberge.

“This was one of six new fires that have occurred so far this weekend, and, given the increased lightning and hot and dry conditions, there is potential for more,” Yukon duty officer Kris Johnson said Sunday.

“Fortunately, we received a number of calls from the public regarding this fire and the other fires this weekend and that has allowed staff to respond fast and efficiently.”

No properties are currently at risk from the Lake Laberge fire, but it is visible from Lake Laberge and the surrounding area.

The blaze is one of two reported in the Whitehorse district over the weekend.

On Saturday, a 0.1-hectare fire was discovered near Marsh Lake and Michie Mountain. It was quickly contained and extinguished.

Also on Saturday, a 0.75-hectare blaze was discovered in the Ross River district burning 100 kilometres east of the community near Finlayson Lake. It is now fully contained and being monitored by fire officials.

As well, three new wildfires were reported Sunday in the Dawson City, Mayo and Teslin districts.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. Sunay, a 25-hectare fire was discovered 97 kilometres southeast of Mayo between Moose and Mist Lakes.

Though it’s burning in the wilderness zone, one structure has been identified an estimated 4.5 kilometres from the fire.

Meanwhile, the fire burning in the Carmacks district, discovered last Thursday 90 kilometres east of Pelly Crossing, took a significant run on Sunday. It is now estimated to be 12,000 hectares in size.

It’s burning in the wilderness zone, with no values at risk. Fire officials will continue to monitor.

Structural protection in the form of sprinkler kits have been set up as a proactive measure.

In the Dawson district, a one-hectare fire was discovered at the mouth of Sixty Mile on the Stewart River.

It’s burning in the wilderness zone and being monitored by fire officials.

The third fire Sunday was reported at approximately 7:45 p.m.

Estimated to be eight hectares in size, it’s burning in the wilderness zone near Muska Lake, 32 kilometres west of Teslin.

Although no values are at risk, the fire is visible in Teslin and the surrounding area. Officials further assessed the situation today.

With the six new wildfires over the weekend there have now been 19 fires in the territory this season.

If you see a wildfire, please report it immediately to 1-888-798-FIRE (3473).