Six smokejumpers, supported for a time by two water scooping airplanes, are working Friday on a small wildfire burning across the Yukon River from Circle. The Jefferson Fire (#179) was spotted shortly after noon by U.S. Wildland Fire Service personnel aboard a helicopter en route to service a remote weather station in northeastern Alaska.
The fire was estimated at about half an acre, smoldering in a mix of spruce and hardwoods. Once on the ground, smokejumpers reported the fire was creeping with moderate spread, influenced by wind and nearby thunderstorms. With hose lines in place around the fire and coordinated water drops from the scoopers, the smokejumpers were able to stop its spread. The water scoopers were later released to return to Fairbanks.
Fire managers believe the Jefferson Fire was sparked by lightning, based lightning that moved through the area and vegetation dry enough to ignite easily.
No values are currently identified as at risk. The fire is located in a modified management option area near a full‑protection zone, which prompted the response.
Smokejumpers will continue working the fire until it is fully suppressed.
Contact Public Affairs Specialist Beth Ipsen at Elizabeth_ipsen@ios.doi.gov or (907)356-5510 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 