The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for much of Interior Alaska including Fairbanks, Nenana, Delta, Northern Denali Borough and McGrath.

The Red Flag Warnings are in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday, June 20 through 10 p.m. Sunday, June 21st.

Critical fire weather conditions are expected due to abundant lightning and dry fuels. Any new fire starts or existing fires may spread rapidly.

The Red Flag Warning also applies to:

The White Mountains and high terrain south of the Yukon River, Fortymile Country, Upper Tanana Valley, Delta Junction, Eastern Delta Junction, Upper Chena River Valley, Tanana Flats, Eielson AFB and Salcha, Goldstream Valley and Nenana Hills, Chatanika River Valley, Two Rivers, Fairbanks Metro Aera, Northern Denali Borough, North Slopes of the Western Alaska Range, Upper Kuskokwim Valley, and Central Interior.

Red Flag warnings are already in effect for Lime Village, the Lower Matanuska Valley, and the Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western and Central Susitna Valley until 1 AM Saturday June 20th. 

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, Delta, Denali Borough, Fairbanks, Fortymile Country, Kuskokwim Valley, Lime Village, Lower Matanuska Valley, Manley Hot Springs, McGrath, Minto, Red Flag Warning, Susitna Valley, Tanana, White Mountains, Wonder Lake