While the rest of the state has experienced relief from smoke impacts, along with cooler temperatures and higher humidity, Fort Yukon and the surrounding area remains warm and dry with more lightning expected. Fire potential likewise remains high there and… Read More ›
Active Wildland Fire
“How Do They Do It?” A Closer Look at Fire Management in Southwest Alaska.
Southwest Alaska Area Fire Management Officer (AFMO) Seth Ross pedals his bike swiftly toward helibase. One of three nearby helicopters begins to spool up, its rotors gaining momentum as five initial attack (IA) helitack firefighters wait inside, ready. Ross motions… Read More ›
UPPER YUKON Zone Fire Update – July 26, 219
Earlier storms have passed through the Upper Yukon Zone with thousands of lightning strikes this week. Drought has continued in the zone causing the trees and duff layer to be very dry making fires difficult to contain. There are 57… Read More ›
Fire Restrictions Lifted; Public Still Asked to Maintain Vigilance
COPPER CENTER, AK –Based on current and predicted fire activity, the Alaska Multi-Agency Coordination Group decided to lower the Alaska Preparedness Level from 5, the highest, to 4 yesterday. This is due to a decrease in statewide fire activity. Cloud… Read More ›
Nugget Creek Fire perks up with warmer, drier weather; State Parks reopens Granite Tors Trail
Fire personnel flew over the Nugget Creek Fire (#323) on Wednesday (July 24) and mapped the fire at 17,294 acres. Spread occurred primarily in the southeast corner of the fire with warmer temperatures over the last few days. Smoke from… Read More ›
Another Day of Showers Expected; Warmer, Drier Next Week
COPPER CENTER, AK – More rain is expected today as showers continue to move through the Copper River Basin area. An increase in rainfall expected for Friday. Recent precipitation across the south-central part of the state should moderate fire behavior. However,… Read More ›
Weather hinders efforts to get firefighters on ground at Rainy Pass Fire
The Alaska Division of Forestry is trying to mobilize more firefighters to help contain a remote wildfire northwest of Anchorage that is burning a mile from a historic hunting lodge that also serves as a checkpoint on the Iditarod Trail… Read More ›
Wildfire near Rainy Pass prompts evacuation of remote lodge along Iditarod Trail
A remote wildfire northwest of Anchorage late Tuesday night prompted the evacuation of more than two dozen people from a historic hunting lodge that also serves as a checkpoint on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The Rainy Pass Fire… Read More ›
Smoke Outlook 7/24-7/25: Rain moving northward is helping disperse smoke
Widespread rain in southern Alaska brought relief from smoky conditions and is moving northward. With the rainfall, the smoke is dispersing to the north, but smoke will settle in again overnight across northern Alaska. By tomorrow, smoke in the north… Read More ›
Rain Quiets Fires, Temporarily
COPPER CENTER, AK – Both the Chetaslina (#606) and Long (#484) fires received precipitation over the night moderating fire behavior. More rain is forecast for Thursday, but it will likely not be enough precipitation to put out the fires. The… Read More ›
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 