Author Archives
The Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service (AFS) located at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, provides wildland fire suppression services for over 244 million acres of Department of the Interior and Native Corporation Lands in Alaska. In addition, AFS has other statewide responsibilities that include: interpretation of fire management policy; oversight of the BLM Alaska Aviation program; fuels management projects; and operating and maintaining advanced communication and computer systems such as the Alaska Lightning Detection System. AFS also maintains a National Incident Support Cache with a $10 million inventory. The Alaska Fire Service provides wildland fire suppression services for America’s “Last Frontier” on an interagency basis with the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Military in Alaska.
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Duck Fire controlled; Shiliak Fire 40% contained in Galena Zone
The Duck Fire 26 miles east of Teller is fully contained and controlled, while the Shiliak Fire northeast of Kotzebue is 40% contained.
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Level 2 “Set” evacuation notice for residents in Eureka due to the Elephant Fire
At noon today, a Level 2 “Set” evacuation notice is in place for Eureka and residences along the Eureka-Rampart Trail due to the Elephant Fire (#225). A “Set” notice means residents should prepare a “go-kit” including prescription medications, emergency supplies, important documents. Plan an evacuation route and keep up to date on the most current local emergency plans. Know where to find the most current information from local authorities. Create a personal wildland fire action plan. Plan multiple escape routes, make sure all those residing within the home know the plan and practice evacuation procedures so everyone is familiar with the plan. Citizens can also follow the Alaska State Troopers Facebook page for the most immediate notification of evacuation changes.
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All resources concentrated on Moldy Fire as Roundabout Complex grows to 31,493 acres
The Roundabout Complex is now 31,493 acres, with all growth yesterday on the Moldy Fire (#279). Crews remain focused on structure protection and fireline prep. A heat advisory continues today, though conditions may begin to shift with incoming moisture and a rising chance of thunderstorms.
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Crews keep the Ninetyeight Fire North of the Salcha River
Crews continued to battle the Ninetyeight Fire (#218) yesterday as extreme fire weather persisted for a third consecutive day. Winds and low relative humidity threatened established fire lines. Firefighters on the southwest corner, from Mile 33 to Mile 35 along the Salcha River, engaged the fire directly while bucket drops and scoopers supported containment efforts. Although the fire spotted outside the firebreaks a few times, firefighters, assisted by helicopter drops, successfully extinguished these spot fires.
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Ptarmigan Complex firefighters prepped for another hot, dry day
Today is expected to be another day of high temperatures, low humidity, and wind. These conditions are expected to increase fire activity and smoke across the Ptarmigan Complex. Extreme fire behavior is possible.
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Firefighting resources continue to respond to fires in the Upper Yukon
Firefighting crews continue to respond to fires in the Upper Yukon, including one new start which was discovered Friday evening.
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Firefighters make progress on Duck, Shiliak fires in Galena Zone
Firefighters continue to make progress on a pair lightning-caused fires in the Galena Zone. The Duck Fire (#370) is 90% contained while the Shiliak Fire (#375) is 20% contained with no growth reported.
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Firefighters focus resources on Moldy Fire as Roundabout Complex expands to 27,223 acres
The Roundabout Complex is now 27,223 acres, with continued growth yesterday and similar activity expected today. The majority of fire spread occurred on the north and west sides of the Moldy Fire (#279). All firefighting resources are now focused on this incident, as crews work to protect values at risk.
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Red Flag Warning in effect for Tanana Fire Management Zone – rapid growth of fires possible
A RED FLAG WARNING is in effect for the Lush Fire (#199) and other fires in the Tanana Fire Management Zone. Winds are forecast to be out of the east with 5 to 15 miles per hours (mph) sustained and gusts up to 30 mph. Humidity levels are expected to be as low as 21%. Due to these weather conditions, rapid ignition, growth and spread of fires is possible.
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Turtle Fire exhibits extreme fire behavior; Red Flag Warning issued
A Red Flag Warning has been issued for today due to a forecast that calls for high temperatures, low humidity, and wind. These conditions are expected to cause increased fire activity and smoke across the Ptarmigan Complex. Extreme fire behavior is possible.
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 