U.S. Wildland Fire Service managers are expecting a more moderate fire day in Western Alaska today. However, the possibility for lightning remains in the forecast and the region is expected to receive minimal rain from any passing storms compared to other parts of the state.
The USWFS Midnight Sun Hotshots and the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments Type 2 Crew achieved 40% containment on the Jade Fire (#285) near Ambler on Friday. They have worked 100 feet in from the fire’s edge to identify and extinguish any residual heat that might threaten the control line. They are continuing that work today, working further in from the fire’s edge.
The Jade Fire was reported on June 23 by several people who saw a large column of smoke rising from an area past the landfill — the same location where the Kopshesut Fire originated on June 4. The fire has not reached the landfill.
Ten smokejumpers were released from the Jade Fire on Friday. They were flown back to Galena before responding to a pair of new fires that were reported near Ruby. Twelve smokejumpers assigned to the Whakatna Fire (#306) near Galena also responded to the new fires in the Ruby area. The Whakatna Fire was declared controlled at 8:30 p.m. Friday. It will be monitored by aircraft.
PREDICTED WEATHER: Weather is expected to be cooler over the next few days with the possibility of scattered showers and even a period of steady rain. Vegetation remains dry. Any moisture recovery from incoming storms is expected to be minimal. Fire growth is possible but is expected to moderate. Please avoid any outdoor burning and use caution with anything that can ignite a fire. Even a small spark can start a wildfire in these conditions.
AIR QUALITY: Smoke from the Jade Fire has not significantly impacted Ambler, but residents should stay alert to changing conditions and take steps to protect their health if smoke moves into the community. Find more air quality information at https://dec.alaska.gov/air/anpms/wildfire-smoke/. Both wildfire smoke and, if the Jade Fire reaches the landfill, smoke from burning trash contain fine particles and other pollutants that can be harmful to people’s health. These particles can irritate the eyes and lungs and are especially dangerous for elders, young children, and people with heart or respiratory conditions. Even short‑term exposure can worsen breathing problems.
For updated fire information, visit Alaska Wildland Fire Information (akfireinfo.com). Contact Public Information Officer Geoff Liesik at geoff_liesik@firenet.gov or (907) 356-5510 for more information.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, US Wildland Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 