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.
-
Two fires declared out on Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve; Ptarmigan Complex efforts remain focused on monitoring, restoration
A slight uptick in containment on the Ptarmigan Complex and two additionally fires declared out in the Upper Yukon Zone reflect the dedicated work of firefighters to actively monitor area fires and strategically respond.
-
BLM AFS fires update: Crews continue work as fire managers prepare for chance of warmer weather, possible increased activity
In BLM AFS’s protection area, 166 active fires remain amidst warmer, drier weather conditions, prompting increased vigilance from fire managers. So far, 404 fires have burned nearly 1 million acres. Crews are completing suppression tasks on major fires like Ptarmigan and Lush, while remaining prepared for potential new fire activity.
-
Enjoy the upcoming warm weather, but be aware of outdoor closures, fire restrictions and fire safety
As you enjoy the warmer weather, please remember to practice fire safety. Ensure any outdoor fires are completely extinguished, and never leave them unattended. Start the weekend off right by being mindful of area closures, fire restrictions and keeping a safe distance from dry vegetation. Together, we can help prevent wildfires and protect our communities.
-
Evacuation level downgraded to Level 1 “Ready” on the Middle and Lower Salcha River areas
The Middle and Lower Salcha River Level 2 “Set” evacuation notices has been downgraded to a Level 1 “Ready” due to moderated fire activity and work completed by firefighters to protect the cabins and other sites from the Ninetyeight Fire (#218). All Salcha River area evacuation levels are now at Level 1 “Ready,” which means residents should be ready for potential evacuation. The evacuation map and other information can be found on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations website at Fairbanks North Star Borough. Text WILDFIRES to 67283 to receive text notifications.
-
Tlozhavun Fire declared out; crews continue fire and aviation operations on the Ptarmigan Complex
Fire managers called the Tlozhavun Fire out yesterday after the fire was 100% contained and completely suppressed. A 38-person Type 4 management organization continues to strategically engage on the Ptarmigan Complex fires. Warmer and drier weather will move into the BLM Alaska Fire Service (BLM AFS) Upper Yukon Zone, which covers northeastern Alaska, over the weekend.
-
Crews depart Tlozhavun Fire after hard work yields 100% containment and complete extinguishment
Firefighters on the Tlozhavun Fire have completely controlled and suppressed the 22-acre fire 10 miles south of Fort Yukon and will transition off the incident to support other firefighting efforts. Steady progress on Ptarmigan Complex fires continued Tuesday, including the removal of structure protection equipment because fire is no longer posing a threat to the cabin. Fire managers will continue to watch for and be ready to respond to new starts in northeastern Alaska as warmer, drier weather is expected in the coming days, particularly in the Yukon Flats.
-
Firefighters achieve 100% containment on the Tlozhavun Fire; operations remain steady on other fires in northeastern Alaska
Crews achieved 100% containment around the perimeter of the Tlozhavun Fire Monday, meaning firefighters have established a control line around the fire that should keep it from spreading. Firefighters working other fires in the BLM Alaska Fire Service (BLM AFS) Upper Yukon Zone, which covers northeastern Alaska, continue to make steady progress towards the objectives identified for each fire. Fire managers will continue to watch for and be ready to respond to new starts as the region continues to experience dry conditions.
-
New Mexico IMT supports Alaska village on and off the fireline
The Northern New Mexico Incident Management Team support of Huslia went beyond wildfire response. When the town’s main water pump suffered a failure that wasn’t related to the fire, the team didn’t hesitate to help.
-
Crews continue mop up work on Tlozhavun and Turtle Fires; firefighters respond to and monitor additional fires in northeastern Alaska
Crew continue extinguishing hotspots along the edge of existing fires in the BLM Alaska Fire Service (AFS) Upper Yukon Zone that covers the northeastern Alaska as fire managers keep a watchful eye toward new starts in the region. Two fires were discovered Sunday via remote sensing on the Artic National Wildlife Refuge. The Ripple Fire (#468) is approximately 2 acres in size, with creeping, backing, and isolated torching behavior observed. The Sheenjek Fire (#467) is approximately 7 acres in size with creeping, backing, and isolated torching behavior in white and black spruce observed. Both fires will be monitored by occasional BLM AFS flights over the area.
Cloudy, cooler weather with the potential for showers across the Upper Yukon Zone early in the week will help crews make progress towards their objectives.
-
Temporary Flight Restriction remains on Bear Creek Fire for fire area mapping
The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place for the Bear Creek Fire to allow mapping flights. Evacuation levels for the Bear Creek and Saint George Creek fires have been lowered. See below for further details.
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 