Smokejumpers and helicopters made strong progress Tuesday on the Oblaron Fire (#370) burning near Selawik, successfully holding and strengthening the control lines around the fire. Containment has reached 90%, meaning firefighters have built a secure control line around the fire and extinguished remaining hot spots within the perimeter. With these measures in place, the fire is not expected to spread further in these areas. It remains 21 acres.
The fire, which initially spread quickly through tundra with running and torching behavior, is suspected to have escaped from the Selawik landfill. A helicopter used a long‑line bucket to drop water on flames within the landfill, significantly reducing heat and smoke. Meanwhile, another helicopter and smokejumpers worked to secure the wildfire away from the dump, applying water from helicopter buckets and using pumps and hoses on the ground to reinforce containment.
Eight smokejumpers are being released from the Oblaron Fire and will be available to respond to new fires across Alaska as warm, windy conditions and frequent lightning persist in the northern part of the state, particularly in the Kobuk Valley. Four smokejumpers and a helicopter will remain assigned to the Oblaron Fire until it is fully contained and controlled, and any remaining risks to local infrastructure and the community have been reduced as much as possible.
PREDICTED WEATHER — The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the Upper Kobuk Valley, Middle Yukon Valley and Upper and Lower Koyukuk Valley from noon until 10 p.m. Wednesday for possible critical fire weather conditions due to scattered thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop in the Upper Kobuk and Lower Koyukuk Valleys. Sea breezes Wednesday afternoon are limiting thunderstorm potential along the coast. A Red Flag Warning means that conditions are occurring or will occur which could lead to the development of large and dangerous fires.
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.
West to southwest winds become more organized across the western zones, with coastal fires near Norton Sound, Seward Peninsula, to Kotzebue Sound seeing 10 to 20 mph sustained winds by Wednesday evening into Thursday. Gusts to 30 mph are likely, especially in the Kobuk Valley. Find more information at https://www.weather.gov/arh/fire.
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: AK Fire Info, US Wildland Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 