As of 4.p.m. on Friday, there were 144 active wildfires statewide, with 18 new starts in the past 24 hours. So far, 278 fires have burned 270,478 acres across Alaska. Brief updates are provided for the staffed fires in northwestern Alaska, within BLM Alaska Fire Service’s protection area.
Deep (#213) – Firefighters continue work on point protection, presently focusing on two structures on the south side of Lake Minchumina. They are removing burnable fuels near the structures, laying hoses, and installing pumps and sprinklers. Firefighters are also assessing protection needs for other structures in the area. 28 personnel remain on the fire, estimated at 6,000 acres, approximately 8 miles southwest of the community at Lake Minchumina.
East Twin (#238) – A steady rain soaked the fire for about an hour last night. Today Tanana Chiefs Type 2 Initial Attack Fire Crew based in Tok continues to walk gridlines through the smoldering fire searching for hotspots and mopping up. There was no perimeter growth in recent days; the fire area is estimated at 7 acres. It is located approximately 90 miles southwest of Fairbanks and about 45 miles east of Clear Airport.
Lookout (#300) – Residents in Bettles reported this lightning-caused fire burning in black spruce on Thursday. Four smokejumpers responded, supported by two water-scooping aircraft. Friday afternoon six additional smokejumpers were deployed. Firefighters continue cutting a saw line around the perimeter and water-scooping aircraft are assisting to moderate fire activity. The fire is estimated to be 9 acres and is located approximately 16 miles southwest of Bettles.
Fickett (#301) – Residents in Bettles also reported this lightning-caused fire burning in black spruce on Thursday. Eight smokejumpers responded, supported by two water-scooping aircraft. Today firefighters continue cutting a saw line around the perimeter and water-scooping aircraft are assisting to moderate fire activity. The fire is estimated to be 23 acres and is located approximately 15 miles southwest of Bettles.
Little Black (#223) – Fire is staffed with 5 smokejumpers and the Clear Water Crew. Clear Water Crew is an Alaska-based contract Type 2 hand crew from Mountain Village, St. Mary’s, Pilot Station, and Marshall. Firefighters’ current priority is protection of allotments located to the north. Fire is located approximately 19 miles southwest of Shungnak and is estimated at 1,186 acres with 25 personnel on scene.
Naluk (#209) – Fire behavior is still active. A helicopter with a 12-person module arrived on the fire Thursday, and will work with the 12 smokejumpers on scene to continue to protect structures and allotments. Fire is located about 20 miles north of Selawik, the Selawik National Wildlife Refuge and is estimated at 8,000 acres with 24 personnel on scene.
McDonald (#119) – Fire behavior moderated today as the fire is burning into previously burned areas. Crews continued securing the fire edge and completed indirect line construction on the south side of the fire to reduce the threat to structures. A module and two engines patrolled the Richardson Highway and adjacent communities. The fire is located west of the Tanana River and is estimated at over 107,391 acres with 73 personnel on scene. For more information please visit: https://akfireinfo.com/tag/mcdonald-fire/
An Alaska Complex Incident Management Team is set to brief on the Globe Fire and three additional fires currently in monitor status, tomorrow, Saturday, June 29. The team will shadow current fire management on Sunday, June 30, and will take command at 7:00 a.m. Monday, July 1.
Globe (#253) – Firefighters worked on point protection of Globe Creek Campground, clearing away burnable fuels and installing water application systems. Incident personnel will monitor safety of residents while continuing to conduct point protection of structures, critical infrastructure, and highway transportation systems. Fire is located 40 miles north of Fairbanks and is estimated at 6,333 acres with 60 personnel on scene. Expect delays on the Elliot Highway between mileposts 28 and 50, due to changing fire conditions and firefighting activity in the area. For more information please visit: https://akfireinfo.com/tag/globe-fire/
Slate (#248) – The fire is estimated at 2685 acres and is being monitored.
Iver (#249) – The fire is estimated at 2,875 acres and is being monitored.
Fossil (#115) – The fire is estimated at 8 acres and is being monitored.
The Idaho Team 1, Type 3 Incident Management Team out of the Great Basin Geographic Area took command of the five lightning-caused fires on the Upper Yukon Zone at 7:00 a.m., Friday, June 28.
Deception Pup (#252) – Firefighters secured the fire perimeter and started mop-up operations. Fire behavior was minimal due to shading provided by thick smoke. A Type 2 helicopter continues to transport supplies to the remote location. One additional crew has arrived at the forward operating base. The fire, located 3 miles west of Central, Alaska, is mapped at 120 acres with 51 personnel on-site.
Flasco (#259) – Smokejumpers were able to complete saw line and install hose lays around the entire fire perimeter. Mop up operations have begun. Fire is located south of Circle, Alaska, west of the Yukon River and was estimated at 10 acres with 31 personnel on scene.
American (#262) – Fire is located in the White Mountains and was estimated at 450 acres and. Fire will continue to be monitored.
Crazy (#153) – Fire is located in the West Crazy Mountains, north of the White Mountains and is estimated at 347 acres. Fire will continue to be monitored.
Ikheejik (#184) – Fire is located southeast of Circle, Alaska, east of Birch Creek and is estimated at 35 acres. Fire will continue to be monitored.
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-BLM-
Bureau of Land Management, Alaska Fire Service, P.O. Box 35005 1541 Gaffney Road, Fort Wainwright, Ak 99703
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The Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service (AFS) located at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, provides wildland fire suppression services for over 240 million acres of Department of the Interior and Native Corporation Lands in Alaska. In addition, AFS has other statewide responsibilities that include: interpretation of fire management policy; oversight of the BLM Alaska Aviation program; fuels management projects; and operating and maintaining advanced communication and computer systems such as the Alaska Lightning Detection System. AFS also maintains a National Incident Support Cache with a $18.1 million inventory. The Alaska Fire Service provides wildland fire suppression services for America’s “Last Frontier” on an interagency basis with the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Military in Alaska.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 