Two wildfires have been reported in the Dawson City fire district.

They are currently estimated to be 1.2 hectares and three hectares in size, respectively, according to a bulletin issued today by the Department of Community Services.

The fires, which are both located in the wilderness zone about 90 km south of the town, were reported Monday evening.

The lightning-caused fires are burning on either side of the Yukon River, on the east close to Mt. Stewart and on the west near Shamrock Dome.

Both fires were reported by the public at around 8 p.m. Due to several structures near the eastern fire, airtankers were dispatched to the area upon notification and worked the fire until 11 p.m.

"Due to the values in the area, we actioned this fire very quickly," said duty officer Dave Milne. "This morning, we sent fire crews to work the fire from the ground."

With this recent activity, there have now been 18 wildfires in the territory this season with all but two being human-caused. While much of the territory is at a low fire danger rating, Dawson remains extreme.

Meanwhile, six firefighters responded to an Airport Road Fire in Mayo last Thursday.

The afternoon fire burned only 100 metres from residences and received quick response from six wildland firefighters.

The 0.01-hectare fire, discovered just after 3 p.m. last Thursday, is believed to be a human-caused holdover burn from last year that was not properly extinguished.

"This fire was burning in what we call a critical management zone, so our response was immediate," said Mayo zone protection manager Don Hutton.

"It's fortunate the winds were calm, as that allowed us to quickly contain the fire."

In addition to the six wildland firefighters, a pumper truck was also provided by the Mayo Volunteer Fire Department.

The wildfire was the fourth in the Mayo district this season.

Citizens are encouraged to exercise caution when conducting any kind of burning and to be aware of any wildfires and report them immediately to 1-888-798-FIRE (3473).

The public is also reminded that a burning permit is required to burn grass, brush or debris in the territory between April 1 and Sept. 30.

Permits will be suspended when the fire danger rating is moderate or higher.