Home › AK Fire Info › Aircraft, Smokejumpers Respond to New Fire Within Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge

Aircraft, Smokejumpers Respond to New Fire Within Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge

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Smoke billows up from a fire burning between lakes.Photo of a blackened burned area between lakes showing small wisps of smoke.
These two photos show the comparison of fire behavior before and after water dropped by multi-engine water scoopers on July 10, 2026. Photos by Ryan McPherson, USWFS

Smokejumpers and aircraft responded to a new lightning-caused fire within Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge Friday burning approximately 40 miles west the Dalton Highway and 21 miles east of the community of Allakaket. The Konedsin Minnkohwin Fire (#404) is estimated at 200 acres and is burning in peat along lake berms within caribou lichen, tundra and pockets of spruce and hardwoods. The fire remains uncontained.

Smokejumpers utilized water-scooping aircraft Friday to support suppression efforts. With recent dry, warm weather in the area, firefighters reported that while the water-scoopers were successful with cooling fire behavior, it now takes more water than previously needed due to deeper ground fuels are drying out. Assessments completed this morning indicate the fire experienced minimal overnight growth.

Forecast sunny, breezy conditions, scattered thunderstorms and relative humidity in the 30% range may support continued fire activity today. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the area from noon to 11 p.m. today due to the potential for lightning, gusty outflow winds and dry fuels. Firefighters will continue suppression efforts while monitoring fire behavior.

The fire is burning in protected critical caribou habitat, and the current strategy is to hold the fire within its current footprint while minimizing impacts to sensitive resources. The goal is to contain and control the fire.  The U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chena Interagency Hotshots will arrive today to assess conditions and begin suppression operations. Initial response includes aircraft and the Chena Hotshots that will shuttle to the fire after they’re released from the Siruk Fire 22 miles north of Allakaket. There will be an increase in activity in Allakaket today as helicopters shuttle the around 21 firefighters between the two fires.

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

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