Today, cooler weather and windy conditions out of the north will continue to push flames and fire growth in the Galena Zone, which encompasses Western Alaska from the Yukon River north to the North Slope. The Galena Zone also recorded 1,202 lightning strikes on Monday.
The Shiliak Fire (#374) is at 70% contained and staffed by 12 smokejumpers conducting heavy mop up as heat is settling deep into the duff ground layers. The fire is burning within 2 miles of Alaska Native allotments. Smokejumpers will continue mop up operations to extinguish hot spots and as long as things go as planned, estimate completion by early next week.
On Monday, the lightning-caused Jade Fire (#407), located about 17 miles northwest of Ambler and 1.5 miles north of the Kobuk River at river mile 61, was contained and controlled at 4 acres. Firefighters and aircraft were shifted to work on the nearby Karet Fire.
The Karet Fire (#408) is being managed by 12 smokejumpers using a contain and control strategy. The crew is expected to complete 100% containment by the end of shift tonight. Due to better mapping, the fire was mapped at roughly 10 acres. It is burning in tundra and spruce south of the Kobuk River in the same area as the Jade Fire. As mop-up operations continue, the crew estimates demobilization in the next few days.
The Hunt (#409), Kaliguricheark (#410), and Kobuk (#411) fires are burning close to one another in Kobuk Valley National Park about 7 miles north of the Kobuk River at river mile 37 and 1.5 miles east of Kaliguricheark River at river mile 11. All three fires are burning in tundra and a mixture of spruce trees. Northerly winds are pushing growth on all fires. Crews will monitor activity to determine the need for to protect nearby sites identified as of value.
The Nuna Fire (#420) was reported to be roughly 100 acres after discovery Monday. As windy conditions continued, the fire grew to 400 acres overnight. Eight smoke jumpers responded with support from two single engine scoopers and two multi engine scoopers and air attack
The area is experiencing cooler weather and fewer lightning strikes today as a cold front moves through the area, however; strong winds, drier conditions, and abundant lightning is expected as warmer weather moves in later in the week.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, BLM Alaska Fire Service, Fire Weather
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 