The National Weather Service in Anchorage has issued a Red Flag Warning for Inland Bristol Bay, Lake Iliamna, Nila Vena, and Nanvarpak effective 1:00 PM til 9:00 PM, Thursday, June 4. Critical fire weather conditions are expected due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. Any new fire starts or existing fires may spread rapidly.

The most conducive area for hot, dry, and windy conditions will be Iliamna and surrounding areas. Port Alsworth will also see hot temperatures and dry conditions Thursday afternoon and evening, but will have less in the way of wind. Expect temperatures to be a couple degrees cooler than Wednesday in the Inland Bristol Bay area. However, northwest winds, gusting up to 20 mph at times, coupled with low relative humidity will still promote hot, dry and windy conditions across the area into the evening. A cooling trend along with higher relative humidity is forecast to begin Friday and last into the weekend across the region.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring or are about to occur. In Alaska, this means warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds are combining with dry fuels (like grass and dead trees) to create a high risk of wildfire.

Fire Prevention is key! Please use extreme caution with anything that could spark a fire.

• Avoid burning. Check for burn restrictions or Burn Permit suspensions in your area.

• Be careful with equipment. Do not use equipment that may emit sparks, such as chainsaws or lawnmowers, especially in dry, grassy areas.

• Properly dispose of cigarettes. Never throw cigarette butts on the ground or out of a vehicle.

• Extinguish campfires completely. Drown them with water, stir the ashes, and feel for any remaining heat. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

You can find more information about the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP) Burn Permit program and suspensions at https://dnr.alaska.gov/burn

For current information on Burn Permits, call the hotline at the closest DFFP Area Office:

• Tok– (907) 883-1413 ext. 2303
• Delta– (907) 895-5483
• Fairbanks– (907) 451-2631
• Mat-Su Area– (907)761-6312
• Kenai-Kodiak– (907)260-4269
• Southwest– (907)524-3010
• Haines (Northern Southeast Area)– (907)766-2120
• Valez/Copper River– (907)822-8665

Stay informed and stay safe, Alaska!

Categories: Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP), Fire Weather, Red Flag Warning

Tags: 2026 Alaska Fire Season, DFFP Coastal Region, Inland Bristol Bay, Lake Iliamna, Nanvarpak, Nila Vena, Red Flag Warning, Southwest Area Forestry