Warm, dry weather aids Goldrun Complex fire growth

By 2025goldruncomplex on July 13, 2025

Continued warm, dry weather has aided the growth of the fires that make up the Goldrun Complex. The eight fires, which were started by lightning in an area between Kiana and Ambler in the Kobuk Valley, increased their acreage by a combined 5,441 acres since yesterday. This brings the total acreage of the complex to about 21,220 acres.

Smoke billows from trees burning along the river. — *The Kaliguricheark Fire burning near the Kaliguricheark River. Photo*: Incident Commander *Kendra Jackson, Wyoming IMT 1*

Yesterday, the Kaliguricheark Fire (#410) burned through the Kobuk Fire (#411) due to extreme fire behavior and continues to push north. The Silver City Hotshots and 10 smokejumpers continue to provide point protection for values at risk along the Kobuk River. These measures include the installation of hose, water pumps, and sprinklers, along with the removal of brush near structures or around Alaska Native allotments.

The Nuna Fire (#420) is actively burning on its northern perimeter, while eight smokejumpers continue to provide point protection for allotments, structures, and other values at risk. The Nuna Fire remains the largest in the complex at 10,152 acres.

The Tutuksuk Fire (#424) is showing extreme fire behavior and added approximately 1,380 acres yesterday. Continued growth is expected along the northern perimeter; the fire will be monitored and point protection will continue along the river corridor.

The burn scar from a fire continues to grow as smoke billows in the distance as the fire still burns. — *The area burned by the Tutuksuk Fire is seen from the air. Photo: Incident Commander Kendra Jackson, Wyoming IMT 1*

The Hunt (#409) 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.

The Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed management of the Onion Fire (#433) today, however, the fire has not been added to the Goldrun Complex. The fire is estimated to be 639 acres. Twelve smokejumpers and the 20-person K-River 1 Type 2 crew are working on point protection around allotments and other values at risk.

A hose lay installed around structures as part of the point protection measures being taken. — *A hose lay installed around structures as part of the point protection measures being utilized on the Onion Fire. Photo: Sean Davis, Wyoming IMT 1*

The near Red Flag Warning weather reached its peak last night but is expected to continue today. Wetter weather is expected to start late tonight and continue through midweek, which should reduce fire activity and aid in efforts to protect allotments, structures and other values at risk. Northwestern Alaska has not received significant precipitation since mid to late June.

The Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a smoke advisory for the northwest Interior. Air quality will vary between GOOD and VERY UNHEALTHY in the region. The advisory is in effect from today through 2 p.m. Monday for the western Interior south of the Brooks Range. The smoke advisory can be found at: https://dec.alaska.gov/Applications/Air/airtoolsweb/Advisories/ and 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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