Wetter weather has arrived in the Kobuk Valley where the nine fires of the Goldrun Complex lay between Ambler and Kiana, an area that had not received significant precipitation since late June. This change in weather reduced fire activity and aided firefighters in their efforts to protect Alaska Native allotments, structures, and other values at risk.
The Onion Fire (#433) has now burned 1,494 acres. Smokejumpers from Alaska, and Washington, Oregon, along with the BLM Type 2 contract K-River 1 Crew have completed protective measures around allotments and other values at risk. They will move to a direct approach for fire management. This approach includes putting in a fire line through tree and brush removal, digging line where necessary, and installing a hose lay for suppression. These measures are being paired with water drops from single-engine scooper planes that slow down progression of the fire.
The Tutuksuk Fire (#424) is expected to continue to grow northward where there is still active fire behavior. Currently, the area around the fire is being assessed for possible threats to allotments, structures, and other values.
The Kaliguricheark Fire (#410), which burned through the Kobuk Fire (#411) on Saturday, continues to grow along its northern perimeter. The Silver City Hotshots from New Mexico and eight smokejumpers continue to provide protection for sites identified as values at risk along the Kobuk River. This includes the installation of hose, water pumps, and sprinklers, along with the removal of brush near structures or around allotments.
The Nuna Fire (#420) is 16,369 acres and continues to actively burn on its northern perimeter. Smokejumpers continue point protection work around allotments and other values along the river.
The Hunt (#409) and Salmon (#423) fires continue to be monitored. They will be allowed to play their natural role in the ecosystem unless resources of value are threatened. The Jade (#407) and Karet (#408) fires are contained and controlled. Monitoring will continue to ensure suppression objectives are fully met.
Wind and rain helped clear the air yesterday. The smoke advisory was lifted and air quality should generally be GOOD. Chances of continued precipitation are forecasted for most of the week but are not expected to fully suppress the fires of the Goldrun Complex.
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Categories: Active Wildland Fire
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 