More than a dozen new wildfires sparked by lightning flared up around Dawson City, Yukon, over the June 20-22 long weekend, though quick work by crews kept most of them small and under control.
Government of Yukon Wildland Fire Management detected 21 new fires across the territory during that stretch, 15 of them in the Dawson area. Almost all were started by lightning.
As of June 22, 2026, a total of 18 wildfires were still burning in the Yukon, but officials say strong detection and aggressive initial attack held the line. The Dawson City Fire Department is part of the coordinated response through the Dawson Emergency Control Group, operating as a volunteer department of up to 25 firefighters led by the City of Dawson Fire Chief.
The largest local blaze, the Wolf Creek wildfire, has burned 82 hectares and is listed as out of control. The Bertha Creek fire covers 25 hectares and is receiving a full response. Three smaller spot fires north of Wolf Creek measure 13, two, and less than one-tenth of a hectare.
The Dawson Emergency Control Group, which includes the City of Dawson, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government, and Yukon Government emergency agencies, is watching the situation closely. Residents should stay alert to local wildfire and smoke updates, as drifting smoke may reduce visibility and air quality.
These fires follow the severe 2025 season, when 130 wildfires scorched 122,459 hectares across the territory. The Dawson region saw major blazes including the Quebec Creek, Mount Leotta, and Rabbit Creek fires. This year’s fast detection and initial attack show lessons learned, but officials note that conditions can change quickly if hot, dry weather and more lightning return.
