Size: 39,706 acres Personnel: 73 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Persistent thunderstorms continue near the McDonald Fire, bringing winds to increase fire activity in both northern and southern areas. Firefighters implemented burning operations Wednesday to protect the cabins along the… Read More ›
Active Wildland Fire
Firefighters maintain vigilant on McDonald Fire
Following several days of persistent thunderstorms, firefighters remain alert for another bout of gusty, erratic winds on the McDonald Fire Wednesday afternoon.
Gusty erratic winds increase fire behavior on McDonald Fire
Size: 35,618 acres Personnel: 73 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning Update 1:15 p.m. – The Fairbanks North Star Borough expanded the READY notice Tuesday to residences along the Johnson Road and near the Salcha Campgrounds. Find more information… Read More ›
BLM AFS monitoring several large tundra fires in Western Alaska
The BLM Alaska Fire Service is monitoring several fires in Western Alaska, including two on the Noatak River and one on the Seward Peninsula. Galena Zone personnel will conduct routine flyovers of these large tundra fires. The Tututalak Fire (#135),… Read More ›
Steady progress continues to protect cabins near the McDonald Fire
Size: 32,725.9 acres Personnel: 49 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The McDonald Fire experienced thunderstorms with lightning and an estimated .15 inch of rain Thursday night. A flight over the fire Thursday afternoon showed minimal… Read More ›
Wetting rains welcomed as progress made protecting cabins near the McDonald Fire
Size: 32,725 acres Personnel: 49 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The McDonald Fire received wetting rains early Wednesday morning. Similar conditions are expected throughout the day with scattered to numerous showers accompanying isolated thunderstorms in… Read More ›
Weather moderates McDonald Fire growth
Rain fell on much of the McDonald Fire area Monday night, with more predicted, giving firefighters time to prepare cabin sites along 5 Mile Creek in case hot, windy, and dry conditions return. Firefighters started clearing brush from around structures and getting sprinkler systems set in place in case the estimated 28,800-acre fire makes another push south toward the cabins south of the fire.
Water scoopers, more firefighters mobilizing to protect cabins from McDonald Fire southeast of Fairbanks
BLM Alaska Fire Service Smokejumpers and water scoopers mobilized Monday afternoon to protect a group of cabins threatened as the McDonald Fire continues to grow despite moderated conditions. The fire is estimated at about 24,000 acres.
Hot, dry conditions push McDonald Fire to an estimated 8,000 acres
The McDonald Fire (#119) burning 31 miles south of Fairbanks was active Sunday, growing to an estimated 8,000 acres thanks to hot, dry and windy conditions. While the winds diminished since Saturday, the warmer temperatures helped push the fire out from both flanks as it burned through stringers of black spruce.
Thick smoke plume seen from fire burning in a remote corner of military training range south of Fairbanks
he smoke from the McDonald Fire (#119) will likely be very visible for the upcoming days due to the continued dry, hot conditions.
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 