Update at 10:50 pm: The fire is estimated at 400 acres.
Update at 10:30 p.m. Unless there are significant changes, this will be the last update for June 4, 2026.
Twenty‑four smokejumpers and multiple aircraft are making steady progress on the Kopshesut Fire as winds continue to push the blaze through black spruce and closer to the Kobuk River. Smokejumpers report the fire is not burning deeply, allowing firefighters to slow growth on the side closest to Ambler. Water from scooper aircraft, along with smokejumpers using hoses to spray along the edges, is proving effective as suppression efforts continue
At this time, winds are pushing the fire and smoke toward the river and away from Ambler.
The fire has shown torching with 6–12‑foot flame lengths and short‑range spotting as it moves through predominantly black spruce fuels.
The fire has likely burned a nearby Native allotment south of the landfill where the fire started. Another allotment is nearby, and a third sits across a slough next to the Kobuk River. Ambler is located within two miles east of the landfill.
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service Midnight Sun Hotshots and the Type 2 North Star Fire Crew have been ordered and will travel to the fire — located 330 miles northwest of Fairbanks — on Friday.
7 p.m. June 4, 2026 update: Smokejumpers flying over the fire between 4 and 5 p.m. reported that the fire doubled in size during that hour. Winds were pushing the fire toward the Kobuk River to the south and not immediately toward Ambler.
The fire is now estimated at 300 acres.
Original information: Firefighting resources mobilized Thursday afternoon after a wildfire ignited in the Ambler village landfill. Twelve smokejumpers responded immediately, with another 12 en route, supported by single‑engine water scoopers, a helicopter, and two Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection air‑retardant tankers.
The Kopshesut Fire (#137) was reported at 2 p.m. and rapidly doubled in size as high winds pushed it beyond the landfill. Aircraft are continuing suppression efforts.
Note: Corrected to remove whether residents have relocated to a safer area.
Contact Public Affairs Specialist Beth Ipsen at 907-356-5510 or Elizabeth_ipsen@ios.doi.gov for more information.
-USWFS-
U.S. Wildland Fire Service, P.O. Box 35005 1541 Gaffney Road, Fort Wainwright, Ak 99703
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Categories: Active Wildland Fire, US Wildland Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 