Most of the fire activity in Alaska is in State Division of Forestry protection areas. In Alaska Fire Service protection areas fire activity is relatively low. There have been 10 fires to date and four of those fires are active: Dalton River Crossing, Tunuuk Creek, 100 Mile Creek and Windfall Mountain. Only the Dalton River Crossing Fire is staffed. There are 63 personnel on the 500 acre fire north of the Yukon River and east of the Dalton Highway. The fire is 70 percent contained and demobilization of resources is expected to begin May 28. The other fires show little activity and are in monitor status.

Wildland firefighting in Alaska is an interagency effort. The Alaska Fire Service is now providing support to the Funny River and Tyonek Fires with smokejumpers, overhead personnel, Chena and Midnight Sun Interagency Hotshot crews and Emergency Firefighter (EFF) Type 2 Crews from  Hughes, Huslia #1 Kaltag, Marshall, St Mary’s, Stebbins,  Holy Cross, Nulato #1, Selawik #1 and Upper Tanana #2. Allakaket #1 and Minto #1 crews are on the Dalton River Crossing Fire.

While fire activity in the AFS areas is less active, this is not a time to be complacent. Human activity in those areas has the potential to cause fires. Lightning season is fast approaching and fire activity is very likely to rise. A community that has adapted to wildfire is a better-protected community. Remember: be safe  with fire.

Categories: AK Fire Info