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 ›
BLM Alaska Fire Service
McDonald Fire resources shift to meet challenges from the increased fire behavior
Size: 30,590.9 acres Personnel: 57 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning Updated information at 4:40 p.m., June 17, 2024: Two Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection engines are patrolling the Richardson Highway across the Tanana River from the… Read More ›
Warmer, dryer weather predicted as work continues on the McDonald Fire
Size: 30,022 acres Personnel: 57 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Sunny skies have contributed to warming and drying across the McDonald Fire. On Saturday afternoon, a fly over of the McDonald Fire showed mostly smoldering… Read More ›
Forecasted warm weather will likely increase fire behavior, smoke on the McDonald Fire
Size: 32,725.9 acres Personnel: 54 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning FAIRBANKS, Alaska – After days of rain, warmer, drier weather will return to the McDonald Fire area this weekend, possibly increasing fire activity and smoke. The Blair Lakes… 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 ›
Red Flag Warning issued in northeast Alaska for dry lightning
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for northeastern Alaska today, June 14, due to hot, dry conditions and dry lightning. The warning is in effect from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and covers the Yukon… Read More ›
Cabin protection progresses as weather moderates near the McDonald Fire
Size: 32,725 acres (no change) Personnel: 49 Start Date: June 8 Cause: Lightning FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The forecasted weather should continue to keep the McDonald Fire (#119) tempered from what was experienced during the initial days of the fire. This… 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.