Members of the public acted quickly to help douse a small fire near the Hidden Lakes over the weekend.
“The consequences of a wildfire in this area could have been serious,” said Duty Officer Mike Sparks in a news release.
The fire was caused by two campfires that were abandoned and not properly extinguished.
Witnesses reported the fire around 3 p.m. Sunday and immediately worked to extinguish the fire.
“While we don’t encourage the public to fight fire, in this case their action was essential in preventing the fire from spreading further,” said Sparks.
Four Whitehorse firefighters and three Wildland firefighters soon arrived on scene and extinguished the fire.
Open campfires are illegal within Whitehorse city limits. Only fires in backyard fire pits that have been inspected by the Whitehorse Fire Department are permitted.
Sunday’s fire was the first of the season in the Whitehorse district, and fourth in the territory.