Lightning triggered four wildfires in the Watson Lake district Thursday, forcing the closure of the Robert Campbell Highway late last night.

The artery did reopen early this afternoon after fire officials assessed the situation and patrolled the area for any additional fire activity.

"There was a significant amount of lightning activity in the southeastern part of the territory Thursday,” said duty officer Dave Milne of Yukon Wildland Fire Management.

"Four fires were officially discovered in the district, but we expect several more will be found when we patrol the area later this morning.”

The first fire was reported at approximately 4:30 p.m. Thursday by staff working at the Wolverine Mine.

That fire is located 16 kilometres from the mine site and does not currently pose a threat.

While staff were patrolling that fire from the air, a second blaze was located burning near Francis River at kilometre 70 of the Robert Campbell Highway.

Due to the fire's close proximity to the highway, the roadway was closed from kilometre 10 to kilometre 107.

The other two fires reported Thursday in the Watson Lake district are located in the remote wilderness zone and do not pose a threat to any properties.

Aside from the Robert Campbell Highway, no other values are at immediate risk due to the recent fire activity.

Travellers are advised to call 511 or visit www.511yukon.ca for the latest highway information.

Thunderstorms were predicted for southeast Yukon later this afternoon and evening.

With warm temperatures and more lightning in the forecast for much of the territory today, fire officials are asking the public to exercise caution with burning and to be aware of any suspicious smoke.

The public should be aware that due to mounting fire activity in Alberta, B.C. and the N.W.T., there may be low-lying smoke in some parts of the territory.

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

So far this season, there have been 91 fires in the territory to date, burning approximately 75,888 hectares.