Three new wildfires ignited in the Watson Lake fire district over the weekend, according to the Government of Yukon’s Wildland Fire Management branch. Three fires were reported on Saturday, August 8, 2026: West Rancheria at 5:16 pm, Little Moose River at 8:09 pm, and Little Moose River II at 8:15 pm.
The Hyland River wildfire, which had been burning prior to the weekend, continues to grow and remains out of control. As of August 13, it has reached 132 hectares in a wilderness zone. The Watson Lake fire district includes Nahanni Range Road, Rancheria, Upper Liard, and Watson Lake itself.
The West Rancheria fire, initially reported at 0.10 hectares, has been extinguished as of August 13, according to the Watson Lake fire district update. The Little Moose River fires were 1.60 and 0.10 hectares respectively at the time of reporting.
Yukon Wildland Fire Management has 26 crews ready to respond for the 2026 fire season, operating from six regional fire centres including Watson Lake. The agency works with Yukon First Nations and Yukon First Nations Wildfire crews.
A three-year Community Wildfire Protection Plan involving the Town of Watson Lake, Liard First Nation, and the Yukon Government is underway to reduce wildfire risk through 2028. Residents are encouraged to stay informed via the Yukon’s wildfire hub and report new fire sightings promptly.
