Since Monday afternoon, 22 lightning-caused fires started in State of Alaska protection jurisdiction after severe thunderstorms passed through Interior Alaska. Over 30,000 lightning strikes occurred in three days during Red Flag Warning and Very High Fire Danger conditions that caused more than 70 fires statewide. Late July is traditionally a time when Alaska receives season-ending rains and resources begin deploying to assist with fires in the Lower 48. Our Alaskan firefighters continue to assist our Canadian and U.S. partners due to national resources shortages. With the increase in localized activity, Alaska is coordinating bringing needed operational assets back to the state. Resource availability is a current challenge with the competing fire seasons. Flexibility and quick movement of resources is allowing the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection to protect the public, infrastructure and other values at risk.
Teklanika River Fire (#257): Clear Space Force Station called to report a smoke plume northwest of the station on Wednesday. An estimated 250-acre fire was on the south side of the Teklanika River with cabins and the city of Anderson in the vicinity. Fire Bosses, a helicopter, air attack, and an air tanker responded and performed repeated drops along the west flank to protect values along the river. Multiple additional resources were ordered to the fire, including a Type 2 Incident Management Team. The fire is currently 700 acres.
Sargent Creek Fire (#255): On Wednesday, engines responded to a fire along the Alaska Pipeline corridor and a helicopter conducted bucket work. An air tanker completed multiple drops on the incident to protect the pipeline and ground resources wrapped edges of the fire with hoselay by end of shift. The fire is currently 50 acres.
Pogo Shaft Fire (#249): DOF received a report from mine operations that a fire was threatening the mine. A helicopter and air tanker assisted three engines and Tanana Chief Crew in suppression efforts. They were able to control the fire at .2 acres. Mine operations were briefly suspended during fire suppression activity.
McCoy Creek (#201): Helicopters, White Mountain crew, and Fairbanks 1 firefighters responded on Monday. Crews are working on cabin protection. The fire is currently 29.4 acres.
Middle River (#229): Aerial supervision, Fire Bosses, air tanker, and helicopters worked to suppress the fire during initial attack on Tuesday. 8 smokejumpers and DOF White Mountain crew members additionally responded to the fire and worked towards securing roughly 80% of the fire edge on Wednesday. The fire is currently 52 acres.
Pogo Mine Road Fire (#191): Delta area resources along with Tanana Chiefs Crew continue to monitor the fire and secure the Pogo Mine Road. The fire is currently 3,068 acres.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 