9:15 p.m. Update, July 6, 2026 (last one of the day) — Smokejumpers and aircraft were able to stop the fire within 100 yards of the solar array, but the risk to the site remains high this evening as firefighters continue working to keep the fire away from infrastructure and structures near Selawik. The fire is estimated at 21 acres and is 30% contained. A dozer line has been completed on the south side of the fire from the dump to the waste sewage line, according to smokejumpers on the ground. Smokejumpers will continue using beaters to smother heat along the fire’s edges while installing pumps and hose to cool the head of the fire.
8 p.m. Update, July 6, 2026 — Smokejumpers, aided by helicopters and airplanes, are working aggressively to slow the fire as it threatens nearby infrastructure and structures, including a fuel tank farm and a solar array. The fire is estimated at 20 acres and is running and torching in tundra fuels. Smokejumpers report there is no immediate threat to life.
5:30 p.m., July 6, 2026 — Twelve smokejumpers from Galena and an Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection air tanker loaded with retardant are responding to a wind‑driven tundra fire that escaped from the Selawik landfill today.
The Oblaron Fire (#370) is burning close to city infrastructure, including a solar array, and is less than a mile west of Selawik. It was reported at half an acre in size.
A helicopter is also responding and will use a large bucket to drop water on the fire.
More information will be released when it become available.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, US Wildland Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 