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The U.S. Wildland Fire Service in Alaska (USWFS) is 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, USWFS 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. The U.S. Wildland Fire Service in Alaska provides wildland fire suppression services for America’s “Last Frontier” on an interagency basis with the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, U.S. 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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No injuries in aircraft incident at Fort Wainwright
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – At approximately 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, a Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service contracted Dash Aero Commander 690 aircraft came down on the runway without its landing gear at Ladd Air Field on Fort Wainwright. Neither the… Read More ›
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Firefighters shift resources on Roundabout Complex following overnight growth
The Roundabout Complex remains active with dynamic fire behavior overnight. Firefighters are making progress across the complex, with resources shifting focus and hotshot crews repositioning to address critical needs.
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Lush Fire utilizes water scoopers to protect Alaska Native Allotments
Yesterday, fire behavior on the Lush Fire (#199) was active with small wind-driven winds, flanking, and backing. The most active area of the fire was on the southwest corner. Smokejumpers were inserted into that corner to construct direct line and keep fire out of the Native Alaska Allotments. Later in the day, helicopters with buckets and then water scoopers performed effective operations on this area. They were also utilized on the northern flank of the fire where areas of heat have been detected.
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Heat advisory issued for Ptarmigan Complex area; fire activity expected to increase
A Heat Advisory has been issued for today. The area forecast calls for high temperatures, low humidity, and wind. These conditions are expected to cause increased fire activity and smoke across the Ptarmigan Complex because fuels are more receptive to fire.
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Ninetyeight Fire grows towards the north and west; Firefighters gain containment near structures
The Ninetyeight Fire (#218) remained active yesterday under continued hot and dry conditions. It is now 10,544 acres in size, with some growth to the north and west. On the southwest side, the fire is burning in hardwoods, which has moderated fire spread. Yesterday scooper aircraft and helicopters conducted water drops on the southwest corner from Salcha to the boundary of military land to assist hotshots in keeping that portion of the fire in check.
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Smokejumpers, aircraft respond to Shiliak Fire near Kotzebue
Twelve smokejumpers, two single-engine scooper planes, and a helicopter are working to contain the Shiliak Fire (#374), which is about 25 miles northeast and across the water from Kotzebue.
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Current fire and fireworks restrictions this 4th of July weekend
Restrictions affecting fireworks, burning, and other fires are in place in many places across the state due to an increase in fire activity in Interior Alaska and the relocation of firefighting resources. These restrictions are especially important to help ensure… Read More ›
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Lush Fire exhibits extreme fire behavior with two mile run
At approximately 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, winds on the Lush Fire (#199) increased dramatically (up to 30 miles per hour). Extreme fire behavior with wind driven runs, running fire, and spotting occurred. The fire made an estimated two mile run in under two hours, with the fire pushing from southcentral to southwest of the perimeter. Three crews had to be pulled off of the fire and shuttled across the Yukon River towards Rampart. Tankers dropped 2 loads of fire retardant around a cabin on the southwest corner of the fire.
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Roundabout Complex grows with more accurate mapping and active fire behavior
The Roundabout Complex is now mapped at 17,776 acres with 10% completion. The increase in acreage reflects both improved mapping and increased fire activity yesterday. Crews continue to make steady progress, with key operational shifts underway and resources preparing to transition.
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Hot weather brings increased fire activity across Ptarmigan Complex
A Red Flag Warning has been issued for today due to a forecast calling for high temperatures, low humidity, and wind. These conditions are expected to cause increased fire activity and smoke across the Ptarmigan Complex as fuels become more receptive to fire and hotspots begin to show themselves.
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 