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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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Wet weather expected over McDonald Fire today
The McDonald Fire received wind from the west-southwest Wednesday, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Fire behavior was moderated due to the higher humidity yesterday and smoke was present on the highway over the course of the day.
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BLM Alaska Fire Service Fire Update
As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, there were 169 active wildfires statewide, with 8 new starts in the past 24 hours. So far, 320 fires have burned 484,845 acres across Alaska. Brief updates are provided for Wednesday’s staffed fires within the BLM… Read More ›
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Minimal fire activity observed on McDonald Fire
Size: 165,038 Personnel: 76 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning FAIRBANKS, Alaska – There was minimal fire activity across the McDonald Fire on Tuesday. Heavy smoke over the fire dissipated, reducing the impact on the highway and surrounding areas…. Read More ›
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BLM Alaska Fire Service Fire Update
As of 5.p.m. on Tuesday, there were 172 active wildfires statewide, with 18 new starts in the past 24 hours. So far, 315 fires have burned 461,652 acres across Alaska. Brief updates are provided for todays staffed fires within the… Read More ›
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Containment of the Riley Fire near Denali National Park and Preserve increases
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Despite a north wind shift Monday, containment lines on the Riley Fire held, keeping it from the Denali Park and Preserve entrance. The fire is now 10% contained after firefighters extended a containment line into the railroad… Read More ›
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Cooler temperatures and light rains calm the McDonald Fire
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Much of the McDonald Fire received light rain and cooler temperatures on Monday, calming fire activity. Although the rain wasn’t enough to wet the vegetation, it helped clear the air and lighten the smoke layer. Some stronger… Read More ›
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BLM Alaska Fire Service Fire Update
As of 5.p.m. on Monday, there were 163 active wildfires statewide, with 18 new starts in the past 24 hours. So far, 306 fires have burned 434,914 acres across Alaska. Brief updates are provided for todays staffed fires within the… Read More ›
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Firefighters, aircraft continue to keep Riley Fire away from communities, park entrance
9 p.m., July 1 Update (last one for day) – After a day of hard work by aircraft and firefighters, the Riley Fire in Denali National Park and Preserve was 5% contained by Monday night. Water scoopers and helicopters doused… Read More ›
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Thick smoke helps temper McDonald Fire behavior
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The McDonald Fire was active on Sunday, gaining another 15,000 acres. Winds were gusty in the afternoon as thunderstorms moved around the area. Fire activity slowed later in the afternoon when the layer of smoke thickened and… Read More ›
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Grapefruit Complex fires continue to grow
On Monday, a complex incident management team from Alaska will take command of the Grapefruit Complex of six fires burning along the Elliott Highway south of Livengood. Most of the fires exhibited fairly significant growth under calm conditions the past… Read More ›