Alaska-based firefighters including the Chena, Pioneer Peak and Midnight Sun hotshot crews, Gannett Glacier Type 2 Initial Attack Crew, North Star Fire Crew, and White Mountain Module are all deployed, as well as Alaska Smokejumpers, and Fire Specialists. With weather continuing to be favorable for rapid fire growth, fire managers are requesting additional support from the lower 48.
As of 4 p.m on Sunday, there were 100 active wildfires, with 19 new starts in the past 24 hours. Statewide, 212 fires have burned an estimated 115,386 acres, with approximately 47,000 acres from the McDonald Fire southeast of Fairbanks.
Firefighters identified 13 thirteen new fires in the Galena Zone in northwest Alaska on Saturday and an additional fire was detected in that area as of 4pm on Sunday. Although lightning activity decreased today, hot, dry conditions helped to kindle numerous holdovers. A cluster of fires was reported in the Shungnak area in the past 24 hours. Fire bosses (water-scooping aircraft), air tankers, and smokejumpers responded Saturday afternoon and continue work today.
A new start south of Lake Minchumina, Deep Fire (#213), was estimated at 200 acres. Air resources and 8 smokejumpers were dispatched, slowing fire progression. However, fire activity was increasing Sunday afternoon as temperatures climbed. The Gannett Glacier crew and Grangeville Helitack arrived this afternoon to assist the smokejumpers. Additional Alaska-based contract crews are requested for Monday and a hotshot crew is on order.
Firefighters remain vigilant for holdover or sleeper fires from the lightning activity in prior days. The Alaska Interagency Coordination Center moved to Planning Level 3 on Saturday, due to increased levels of initial and extended attack, as well as anticipated warm and dry weather.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 