This will be the last update unless conditions significantly change.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Crews are finishing work on the Big Fire as equipment and personnel are moving back to Ruby temporarily before returning to U.S. Wildland Fire Service facilities elsewhere. The nearby 723-acre Cecil Fire was contained several days ago, allowing the remaining 32 personnel on the Type 3 team and crews to focus on the 257‑acre Big Fire. The Big Fire is now 85% contained. Most of the firefighters will filter out of the fire area in the next two days with the goal of having all personnel out of Ruby by Saturday.
Both fires were sparked by lightning and detected on June 26. They are located about 11 miles east of Ruby and roughly half a mile apart. Neither fire is threatening the community or nearby Native allotments.
On Tuesday, an uncrewed aerial system (drone) flew over the fire and detected only one remaining hot spot, located about 750 feet inside the perimeter. Crews will conduct one final grid search for heat before beginning demobilization.
PREDICTED WEATHER: A weather system moving in from the Bering Sea, leading to scattered showers and thunderstorms today. Some of these storms may produce wetting rain, but they could also cause gusty and unpredictable winds if they develop near the fire. Chances of thunderstorm are expected to decrease on Thursday.
Temperatures will remain in the upper 70s throughout the week. Minimum relative humidity will stay in the 40–50% range during the day, with strong overnight humidity recovery into the 80–90% range. Friday is expected to be the warmest and driest day of the week.
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 