An aggressive initial attack by 12 smokejumpers and supporting aircraft Monday evening kept the Oblaron Fire (#370) from reaching critical infrastructure on the edge of Selawik. Smokejumpers worked through the early morning hours and held the fire to an estimated 21 acres with 60% containment. An Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection tanker dropped retardant in front of the community’s solar array, slowing the fire approximately 100 yards from the site. A dozer line was constructed along the south side of the fire from the dump to the sewage line. Smokejumpers used beaters to knock down heat along the edges and installed pumps and hose to cool the head of the fire, helping keep it from pushing toward the solar array. Today, crews will actively grid the area closest to the community, locating and extinguishing remaining hot spots.
PREDICTED WEATHER — The National Weather Service issued a Fire Weather Warning for the Lower Kobuk Valley for Wednesday for possible critical fire weather conditions due to scattered thunderstorms. There is potential for increased fire activity and new ignitions in the Kobuk Valley, and any fires that do not receive rain could see significant growth on Thursday due to forecast winds.
Selawik is predicted to be slightly warmer and drier today. A system moving from southeast to northwest this evening may bring a slight chance of thunderstorms after 8 p.m., depending on how quickly a surface inversion forms. Light showers may continue overnight into early Wednesday, with good overnight humidity recovery. Tomorrow, isolated showers are still possible, and thunderstorm chances appear lower as high pressure breaks down more slowly than previously expected. This pattern will also bring a stronger westerly gradient, allowing afternoon winds to gust between 20 and 25 mph.
AIR QUALITY — There is considerable concern about the noxious smoke produced by the burning material in the nearby landfill. Both wildfire smoke and smoke from burning trash contain fine particles and other pollutants that can be very 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. Find more air quality information at https://dec.alaska.gov/air/anpms/wildfire-smoke/
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 