Year: 2025

A wall of smoke rises up from a forest in the distance next to a river.

Conditions remain hot, dry in Yukon Flats while rain reduces activity across much of Alaska

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Operations are winding down across much of Alaska as rain has reduced fire activity and the need for firefighting resources — except in eastern Alaska, where conditions remain hot and dry.

Twelve BLM Alaska Fire Service smokejumpers were mobilized Monday night to protect an Alaska Native allotment along the Sheenjek River from the Christian Fire (#255), burning about 50 miles north of Fort Yukon. The fire has burned approximately 52,400 acres within the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge and remains active.

Gentle rolling hills of tundra with a few trees and clouds in the background.

BLM reduces fire closure for the western White Mountains National Recreation Area

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BLM Eastern Interior Field Office has reduced the fire closure area in the western White Mountains National Recreation Area. Effective immediately, public access is reopened to a one-mile area around the Wickersham Dome Trailhead near mile 127.7 of the Elliott Highway. Beginning Aug. 1, access to Lee’s and Moose Creek cabins and Wickersham Dome will also reopen. A reduced closure area remains in effect for public and firefighter safety due to ongoing activity from the Obrien Fire (#172).