Wyoming Type 3 IMT assumes management of Goldrun Complex

By 2025goldruncomplex on July 12, 2025

A Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) arrived in Ambler yesterday to begin management of the eight fires in the Goldrun Complex. The lightning-caused fires are located between the communities of Kiana and Ambler in the Kobuk Valley. An incident command post is set up at the Ambler School. The IMT is focused on minimizing impacts to Alaska Native allotments and other resource values by using a point/zone protection strategy.

A group of firefighters stand along the bank of a river reading to board boats to take them to their assignment. — Firefighters assigned to the Goldrun Complex stand along the banks of the Kobuk River as they wait to board the boats that will take them and their supplies to their assignments. Photo; Ali Robb, Wyoming IMT 1

The Nuna Fire (#420) increased in size by about 2,500 acres over the past two days. Now at about 7,443 acres, it remains the largest fire in the complex. Eight smokejumpers continue to provide point protection for allotments, structures, and other values at risk. This is being done with the installation of hose, water pumps, and sprinklers, along with the removal of brush near structures or around allotment boundaries.

The Kaliguricheark Fire (#410) grew by nearly 3,000 acres over the past two days. It is estimated at 5,728 acres. The Silver City Hotshots from New Mexico have joined 10 smokejumpers to protect values at risk in the area. This is being done with the installation of hose, water pumps, and sprinklers, along with the removal of brush near structures or around allotment boundaries.

The Tutuksuk Fire (#424) is the only other fire in the complex to see significant growth in recent days. It is about 2,416 acres and is currently unstaffed due to limited resource availability. The fire is being closely monitored to ensure that no allotments or resource values are at risk.

The Hunt (#409), Kobuk (#411), and Salmon (#423) fires are being monitored for potential threats to values at this time. The Jade (#407) and Karet (#408) fires are contained and controlled. The fires are in monitor status.

A warming, drying trend will take place over the weekend. Rising temperatures are expected to increase fire behavior as the area nears Red Flag conditions. There is an anticipated change in weather coming, with wetting rains expected to start off the week.

The Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a smoke advisory for the northwest Interior through Sunday. Air quality will vary between GOOD and VERY UNHEALTHY in the region. For more information on air quality, populations at risk, and health and safety please go to the Alaksa Wildland Fire Information website: https://akfireinfo.com/smoke-management/

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