An unmanned aircraft system (UAS), commonly known as a drone, set a record Wednesday when it was flown over the Onion Fire (#433). The flight was the furthest north a UAS has been used for wildfire management by a federal land management agency, according to members of the Rocky Mountain Regional UAS Module. The Onion Fire is one of nine fires that make up the Goldrun Complex, which is about 45 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the Kobuk Valley between Kiana and Ambler. The fires were started by lightning and have burned a combined 32,183 acres.
The UAS has revolutionized wildfire response, providing real-time situational awareness, hotspot detection, and safer operations in high-risk environments. On the Goldrun Complex, the UAS is providing video and pictures of Alaska Native allotments and structures to help firefighters determine what protective measures have been completed and what additional work remains.
The Onion Fire is 1,494 acres. Twelve smokejumpers and the BLM Type 2 contract K-River 1 Crew are engaged in direct fire management measures on the northwest side of the fire. They have completed a containment line from their anchor point to the river, removing trees and brush, digging line where necessary, and installing hose for suppression. The UAS module flew missions to document the point protection work that has been completed.
UAS modules work in close coordination with aviation resources assigned to a fire to avoid potential airspace conflicts. Members of the public shouldn’t fly drones over or near wildfires. Unauthorized drone flights over or near wildfires are illegal and pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety. They also hamper firefighting efforts. Remember, if you fly, we can’t!
The Tutuksuk Fire (#424) has burned 5,402 acres. 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) is exhibiting moderate fire behavior and has burned 8,793 acres. Continued growth is expected. The Silver City Hotshots from New Mexico are providing protection for sites along the Kobuk River. This includes setting up 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 burn on its northern perimeter. Seven smokejumpers have completed point protection measures around structures at risk and are now working to protect allotments and other values along the river.
The Hunt Fire (#409) is 8 acres and is being monitored. The Jade (#407), Karet (#408) and Salmon (#423) fires have burned 3 acres, 9 acres, and 105 acres, respectively. They are contained and controlled, and are being monitored. There is an increased risk of fire activity as rising temperatures and lower humidity are predicted the next few days. Over the weekend, there is a chance of wetting rains returning to the area, which could reduce the potential for large fi
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Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 