A change in weather has arrived in the Upper Yukon, with up to 4,600 lightning strikes impacting the zone since Monday. Precipitation accumulations are variable throughout the zone, with some areas receiving as little as one tenth inch of rain and the average amount for the zone being one quarter of an inch received by 5:00 p.m. Despite the presence of moisture, the possibility of new fires becoming established from lightning strikes remains high due to dry fuels.
Tsukon Fire (#382) – Today, the Olympic Wildland Fire Module was flown in by helicopter, they established a camp in the area and will begin point protection nearby allotments. Precipitation was intermittent throughout the day, with winds originating from the west and northwest. Fire behavior was minimal throughout the day due to precipitation and cooler temperatures, smoldering and creeping through spruce. The perimeter of the fire remains confined to the west by the Chandalar River, and is estimated at 1500 acres.
The Tsukon Fire is located between Venetie and Fort Yukon, it was discovered on July 4 and was caused by lightning
Runt Fire (#330) – The fire has received rain throughout the day, and is expected to continue throughout Tuesday and into Wednesday. Smokejumpers on the ground continue to work towards point protection goals by extinguishing sources of heat up to 100 feet in from the perimeter. Due to the remote nature of the fire, it is essential for ground resources to ensure a secure line despite the precipitation accumulation. The fire exhibited minimal fire behavior throughout the day and grew slightly to the south. Nearby thunderstorm cells drove shifting, variable winds in the area.
Located along from the Canadian Border, the fire has connected with the Racquet Fire (#331)
Fortymile Fire (#255) – Precipitation has been falling over the fire since Tuesday morning. The fire has been called contained and put into monitor status.
-BLM-
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Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 