Alaska is a large state covering more than 663,000-square miles. Much of the state has limited access due to a lack of maintained roads and vast areas of wilderness. Helicopters are one of the primary options to assist firefighters responding… Read More ›
Active Wildland Fire
Fairbanks Area Wildfire Update July 27: Rain helps calm fires
Firefighters working to contain several wildfires in the Fairbanks Area got a helping hand from Mother Nature on Friday in the form of much-needed, widespread rain that helped subdue fire behavior. While the rain that fell overnight Thursday and much… Read More ›
Rain prevents growth on Rainbow 2 Fire northwest of Delta Junction
Widespread rain helped prevent any significant growth Friday on the 18,750-acre Rainbow 2 Fire burning northwest of Delta Junction. While the rain helped moderate fire activity, it also hampered both aviation operations and crew effectiveness because of the cloudy, wet… Read More ›
Rain helps firefighters working to contain Rainy Pass Fire
Firefighters on Saturday were continuing work to 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 Sled Dog Race. Approximately 41 firefighters… Read More ›
Chetaslina and Long Fire Update: Rain and Cloud Cover Continue to Dampen Monitored Fires
COPPER CENTER, AK – The monitored fires in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve continue to burn in the duff soil layer of the forest floor. Duff is a soil type made of dead plant material including conifer needles, moss,… Read More ›
Grouse Creek/Garnet Creek Fire Update for July 27, 2019
The Grouse Creek fire is approximately 50,418 acres and the Garnet Creek fire is approximately 9,043 acres with a total of 87 personnel. Grouse Creek (#485) Fire growth was moderated by the weather on Friday, overcast and light rain. Fire… Read More ›
Smoke Outlook 7/27-7/28: Upper Yukon still impacted
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 ›
“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 ›
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 