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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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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.
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Public asked to avoid Yukon Training Areas 315-318 as Ninetyeight Fire crews conduct infrastructure protection
High heat and low humidity contributed to active fire behavior on the Ninetyeight Fire (#218) yesterday, with another significant push to the north and west. Firefighters used direct tactics to protect infrastructure on military land and keep the fire south of Brigadier Road. Due to fire crews working in this area, Training Areas 315, 316, 317, and 318 in the Yukon Training Area (YTA) are closed. For public safety and the safety of fire personnel, please avoid this area until further notice.
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Aircraft respond to new Upper Yukon fire; Fortymile Fire fully contained
Firefighting aircraft were assigned to a new start Friday night north of the Yukon River between Venetie and Fort Yukon. The Tsukon Fire (#382) is estimated at 10 acres and was started by lightning. It is burning in a full protection area about 17 miles southeast of Venetie and about 26 miles northwest of Fort Yukon.
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Smokejumpers, scoopers respond to new wildfire east of Teller
Twelve smokejumpers and multi-engine scooper planes that were staged in Galena are working to contain a new wildfire 26 miles east of Teller.
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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.
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 