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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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New wildfire 10 miles south of Fort Yukon halted by smokejumpers and water scoopers
A new wildfire, the Tlozhavun (#448) was discovered 10 miles south of Fort Yukon by an Alaska Fire Service detection flight just before 9.m. on July 13.
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Minimal fire activity observed across the Ptarmigan Complex
There was minimal fire activity present yesterday across the complex, with observed fire behavior consisting of creeping and smoldering, including isolated single tree torching on the Turtle (#243). The weather area forecast for the Ptarmigan Complex calls for scattered moisture, cooler temperatures, and potential thunderstorms over the next few days.
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Fire growth remains minimal on Elephant and Lush fires; crews continue structure protection and mop up
The Elephant and Lush fires continued to show minimal activity throughout the day yesterday. Firefighters remained focused on protecting values at risk.
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Crews Advance on Containment as Fire Activity Increases Slightly on the Ninetyeight Fire
The Ninetyeight Fire (#218) continues to challenge crews with warm, dry weather conditions that have led to moderate fire behavior. Over the weekend, fire activity slightly increased, with creeping and smoldering observed along the southern edge, while single-tree torching occurred in the north.
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Persistent dry conditions expand Roundabout Complex as firefighters work to hold the line at the Koyukuk River
The Moldy Fire (#279) remains the only active fire within the Roundabout Complex, now totaling 73,185 acres. Extreme fire behavior on both the north and south ends of the fire resulted in an increase of about 10,000 acres yesterday. No changes to evacuation levels and no firefighter injuries or accidents were reported.
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Work on Gisasa Fire wrapping up; weather change forecast for western Alaska
Eight smokejumpers assigned to the Gisasa Fire (#432) are in the final stages of mop up, working to identify and put out any remaining heat that could potentially threaten the containment line. The fire is 80 percent contained, and firefighters have hose around the perimeter.
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New thermal imaging leads to an increase in acreage across the Ptarmigan Complex
As a result of new thermal imaging and improved mapping, the Ptarmigan Complex total fire acreage increased to 49,508 acres. The acreage for the largest fire, the Turtle (#242) is 34,903. The Ikheenjik Fire (#243) is being included as part of the Turtle Fire for management and acreage. There was minimal fire activity present yesterday across the complex, with the observed fire behavior consisting of flanking, creeping, and smoldering. The warming and drying trend for the weekend may still lead to an increase in fire activity and smoke.
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Polly Fire increasing activity; advisory issued for Taylor Highway
The Polly Fire (#435) is visible from the Taylor Highway. A caution notice has been issued for travelers from milepost 115 to 100 due to low visibility from smoke and the proximity of the fire to the highway. There are no active closures or evacuations at this time.
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Lines hold and progress continues on Lush and Elephant fires
Fire activity on the Lush Fire (#199) remained low yesterday, with only minimal growth observed. Crews continued to work on fireline construction around the fire area throughout the day. Fire personnel also welcomed a special visit from the Civil Air… Read More ›
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Moldy Fire surges to 58,102 acres on Roundabout Complex as crews focus on allotment protection and community support
The Moldy Fire (#279) remains the only active fire within the Roundabout Complex, now totaling 58,102 acres and growing further overnight. Driven by strong northwest winds, the fire pushed southeast throughout the day yesterday, with some additional backing fire to the north.
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 