Author Archives
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Paradise Complex created in midst of Red Flag Warnings
Resources and efforts are increasing on the newly created Paradise Complex of seven fires burning near Lake Minchumina in Central Interior Alaska. Helicopters and crews are focusing their efforts on constructing indirect fireline (a firebreak built away from the edge… Read More ›
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Critically Dry Fuels Continue to Drive Fire Behavior
Interior Alaska has been extremely dry this summer with very little precipitation. The best indicator of the number of fires and how quickly they burn is called the Buildup Index (BUI), which measures the moisture content of natural fuels. Hot… Read More ›
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Yukon Flats Set to Break Record for Consecutive Red Flag Warnings for Lightning
Red Flag warnings for lightning have been extended through Sunday night for the Upper Yukon Zone tying the current record set during the 2015 fire season. 1,300 new strikes were reported yesterday but precipitation accompanied many of the storms which… Read More ›
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Hotshot crews working to protect structures and allotments along Lake Minchumina
Multiple hotshot crews are working to cut fire breaks around residences and allotments along the eastern shores of Lake Minchumina. The Snohomish Fire (#225) is burning about 15 air miles southwest of the lake. The lightning-caused fire has burned an… Read More ›
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Over 3,000 Lightning Strikes Reported in the Upper Yukon Zone
Yesterday, thunderstorms across Alaska were concentrated in the Upper Yukon Zone resulting in over 3,000 lightning strikes. Fortunately, many of these storms included some precipitation but firefighters will be watching for new starts in the coming days as a result… Read More ›
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Visibility dominates aerial wildland firefighting efforts
If pilots cannot see, they cannot fly. Visibility for all aerial operations is crucial to mission success and safety. Due to more than 200 wildland fires burning across Alaska, smoky conditions are becoming more and more of a hindrance for… Read More ›
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Firefighters Make Progress in Upper Yukon Zone but Remain Wary of New Starts Under Red Flag Warnings
Three new fires started yesterday bringing the total to 51 active fires burning in the Upper Yukon Zone. Red Flag Warnings for lightning remain in place across the Zone. Firefighters have made significant progress on several fires and are being… Read More ›
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Continued Red Flag Warnings issued for the Upper Yukon Zone as Managers evaluate and shift firefighting resources.
The Upper Yukon Zone currently has 48 active fires with 132 personnel assigned to seven fires. Yesterday, 1100 lightning strikes were reported resulting in five new fires. Red Flag Warnings for lightning have been extended through Friday. Firefighters continue to… Read More ›
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June 6 Update: Firefighters focused on Slathtouka fire (#431) located 18 air miles southwest of Alatna and Allakaket
The Slathtouka Fire (#431) was caused by a lightning strike on July 3. The fire is currently measured at approximately 1,900 acres, moving slightly north, and is about 18 air miles southwest of the communities of Alatna and Allakaket, on… Read More ›
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Middle Tanana Complex grows with 3 more fires
The Gold Hub (#455), Gilles Creek (#460) and California Creek (#472) were added to the Middle Tanana Complex, bringing the complex to a total of nine fires outside Delta Junction. The Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team, Mike Almas… Read More ›
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 