Author Archives
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Wet weather – Hess Creek Fire Update 7/27/19
Current Situation: During the past two days, fire crews patrolled and mitigated hazards along the Elliott Highway, on the lookout for dead standing trees that could fall onto the road. Cool wet weather this weekend will buy time for other… Read More ›
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Smoke Outlook 7/27-7/28: Upper Yukon still impacted
While the rest of the state has experienced relief from smoke impacts, along with cooler temperatures and higher humidity, Fort Yukon and the surrounding area remains warm and dry with more lightning expected. Fire potential likewise remains high there and… Read More ›
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“How Do They Do It?” A Closer Look at Fire Management in Southwest Alaska.
Southwest Alaska Area Fire Management Officer (AFMO) Seth Ross pedals his bike swiftly toward helibase. One of three nearby helicopters begins to spool up, its rotors gaining momentum as five initial attack (IA) helitack firefighters wait inside, ready. Ross motions… Read More ›
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Video Update: Chalkyitsik Complex Adds New Lightning Fire #687 in the Yukon Flats
Watch this video update filmed at the edge of the village of Chalkyitsik, Alaska with the nearly 500,000 acre complex of lightning caused fires burning visibly in the background. Follow all of the insider video updates by subscribing to the… Read More ›
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Southwest Alaska Area Fire Information Update – July 26
Six fires are currently being staffed with crews defending the villages of Nikolai and Red Devil, the Donlin Mine, the Nixon Mine, and cabins along the Kuskokwim River. Crews are being shuttled between fires to maximize their effectiveness, while others… Read More ›
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UPPER YUKON Zone Fire Update – July 26, 219
Earlier storms have passed through the Upper Yukon Zone with thousands of lightning strikes this week. Drought has continued in the zone causing the trees and duff layer to be very dry making fires difficult to contain. There are 57… Read More ›
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Chalkyitsik Complex: new fire 3 miles northwest of Chalkyitsik
The Alaska Incident Management Team managing the Chalkyitsik Complex are providing support for Alaska Fire Service smoke jumpers, a helitack crew and air resources for initial attack on a new lightening caused fire 2.5 miles northwest of Chalkyitsik. The fire… Read More ›
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Planning work on southeast corner – Hess Creek Fire Update 7/26/19
Current Situation: Yesterday fire crews patrolled and mitigated hazards along the Elliott Highway, on the lookout for dead standing trees that could fall onto the road. Cool and wet weather expected during the next few days will buy time for… Read More ›
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Smoke Outlook 7/26-7/27: Rain washing out daytime smoke, Upper Yukon still dry
Daytime air quality will be good to moderate across the state, with smoke expected to settle overnight and/or Saturday night in northern areas, lifting again in late morning. While rain has reached Fairbanks and North Pole, dry conditions persist in… Read More ›
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Chalkyitsik Complex: Securing lines to protect Chalkyitsik, allotments and cabins
Yesterday afternoon, at approximately 4 p.m. thundercells moved directly over the fire area and crews halted work and firing operations due to safety concerns with erratic winds and extreme fire behavior due to dry conditions. A small amount of rain… Read More ›
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 