Cooler, wetter weather has moved into Western Alaska and is expected to help firefighters assigned to the Jade Fire (#285), which is 3 miles west of Ambler.
The fire is 70% contained, thanks to days of hard work by the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Midnight Sun Hotshots and the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments Type 2 Crew. Firefighters are continuing to push further in from the fire’s edge to identify and extinguish any residual heat that could threaten the control line. The goal is to conduct a grid search for any hotspots that are within 300 feet of the fire’s edge. This should be completed in the next few days.
The Jade Fire was reported on June 23. It has not reached the landfill.
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. Fire growth is possible but is expected to be minimal with the cooler, damper weather. 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/. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles and other pollutants that can be harmful to people’s health. It can irritate the eyes and lungs and is 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 