Smokejumpers achieved full containment on the Gisasa Fire (#432) on Sunday night ahead of a weather shift that is expected to bring rain and cooler temperatures to western Alaska. The smokejumpers plan to leave the fire by helicopter today so they can get ready for their next assignment.
Four smokejumpers continue to set up sprinklers, hose, and pumps to protect structures and other values at risk from the Wheeler Fire (#412). The fire was started by lightning on July 7. It was described as “very active” on Sunday, burning primarily in black spruce. The fire was less active Monday morning due to cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and cloud cover. The fire is about 27 miles north of Huslia and is estimated at 22,355 acres.
The Sikik Fire (#404), burning in the Noatak National Preserve, is about 3 miles west of the Noatak River at river mile 266. It is in a limited protection area. The 10,905-acre fire will be monitored and allowed to fulfill its natural role unless it threatens a site of value.
The Reed Fire (#430) is located about 4.5 miles northwest of Nutuvuki Lake in a limited protection area. The fire is estimated at 1,663 acres and is being monitored. It will be allowed to fulfill its natural role unless it threatens known sites and structures.
Rain is expected to return to western Alaska today and tomorrow for the first time since late June. There is a 70% chance of wetting rain, defined as precipitation of a tenth of an inch or more over most of the forecast area.
The anticipated rainfall and higher humidity will moderate fire activity, but is not likely to put fires out. Gusty winds and the potential for lightning are possible as storms moving through the area. The weather is expected to reduce smoke in the region.
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Categories: Active Wildland Fire
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 