Yukon’s first recorded wildfire of 2026 was detected east of Aishihik Lake and is believed to be a holdover (“zombie”) fire from 2025. Yukon Wildfire is monitoring the one-hectare blaze, currently classified as being held, rather than actively suppressing it.

Takhini River resident Georgina Widney said she is packed and ready to go if the evacuation alert for her area in the Ibex Valley changes to an evacuation order.

The government banned campfires Friday at the Watson Lake, Simpson Lake, Frances Lake and Big Creek territorial campgrounds in southeast Yukon. Fire danger ratings remain extreme or high for most of the territory.

The North Klondike Highway remains closed from Stewart Crossing to Pelly Crossing after fire breached the highway, the Yukon government has confirmed.