July 21, 2016 
There are currently 32 fires actively burning in the McGrath protection area in Southwest Alaska. Despite varied amounts of rain across the area, wildfires continue to grow. Most of these active fires are growing slowly with minimal to moderate fire behavior. Fire managers continue to prioritize the protection of cabins, remote sites and allotments. Identified values at risk have been addressed by implementing structure and allotment protection where appropriate.
Two fires are currently being staffed by the Alaska Division of Forestry. The 3,997-acre Smith Creek Fire, which is burning 3.5 miles north of Donlin Mine approximately 105 miles southwest of McGrath, is scheduled for demobilization today. Firefighters have met their site protection objectives and will be leaving the fire. The 13,000-acre Hook Creek Fire approximately 140 miles south of McGrath is staffed with firefighters tasked with implementing cabin protection and suppressing the fire’s western edge as it approaches an allotment to the west.
There are eight fires within the confines of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge. Over the past week three of these fires have been declared out due to lack of any fire behavior. The remaining five fires are being monitored by aerial observation. Fire managers continue to prioritize the protection of cabins and allotments. All values at risk have been identified and addressed by firefighters on the ground over the past week. None of these fires are currently staffed.
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