Scattered rain fell over the Ptarmigan Complex throughout July 8. Fire resources within Central reported heavy rain while those closer to the Turtle Fire (#243) experienced more inconsistent precipitation earlier in the day. Given the shift in weather to cooler and wetter conditions, more direct tactics are being employed to protect values at risk.
Recent cooler temperatures and periods of scattered rainfall have brought welcome relief to crews battling the Ninetyeight Fire (#218). The weather shift has enabled progress on fire containment and structure protection across key areas. Yesterday, the fire’s activity remained low, largely limited to smoldering and creeping behavior. Periods of moderate rain in the south and southwest zone helped dampen fire behavior allowing firefighters to bolster and secure containment lines. In the northern section of the fire, low cloud cover hampered visibility, limiting efforts. Meanwhile, crews in the east successfully completed structure protection work on Alaska Native allotments, with plans to begin new structure protective efforts today.
A change in weather has arrived in the Upper Yukon, with up to 4,600 lightning strikes impacting the zone since Monday. Precipitation accumulations are variable throughout the zone, with some areas receiving as little as one tenth inch of rain and the average amount for the zone being one quarter of an inch received by 5:00 p.m. Despite the presence of moisture, the possibility of new fires becoming established from lightning strikes remains high due to dry fuels.
Today, cooler weather and windy conditions out of the north will continue to push flames and fire growth in the Galena Zone, which encompasses Western Alaska from the Yukon River north to the North Slope. The Galena Zone also recorded 1,202 lightning strikes on Monday.
Persistent dry conditions and active fire behavior in western Alaska continue to shape operations on the Roundabout Complex, now mapped at 39,382 acres. All recent growth—approximately 4,000 acres since yesterday—occurred on the Moldy Fire (#279), with no changes on the other fires in the complex.
A change in weather has brought cooler temperatures, lower relative humidity, and scattered precipitation to the Ptarmigan Complex. These conditions have moderated fire behavior and given firefighters the opportunity to engage in direct tactics on the Turtle Fire (#243).
Firefighters made significant progress yesterday on the Elephant Fire (#225) north of Eureka, continuing a complex defensive firing operation to eliminate the light, flashy fuels that have been driving fire spread. This controlled burnout operation is being used to protect structures on the northeastern portion of the fire. Firefighters also monitored and improved sprinkler systems around cabins to enhance defensible space. Hotshot crews constructed containment line on the active fire edge in the Minook Creek drainage. Today, crews will begin line construction along the fire’s southern edge near Eureka and continue structure protection throughout the fire area.
The Ninetyeight Fire (#218) experienced a welcome shift in weather, with cooler temperatures, increased humidity, and light rainfall. These improved conditions allowed firefighters to strengthen and secure containment lines on the southern and southwestern flanks yesterday. On the east side, favorable weather helped crews focus on completing protection work for Alaska Native allotments. In the northern division, firefighters used defensive burning techniques to safeguard military infrastructure by removing surrounding fuels and reducing risk to critical assets.
Today in the Upper Yukon Fire Management Zone, a red flag warning is in effect until 10 p.m. for the Yukon Flats due to abundant lightning and dry fuels. No significant precipitation has accumulated on any of the other staffed fires within the zone. An inversion of smoke persisted for most of the day, limiting some aerial operations.
Fire activity on the Roundabout Complex continues to be driven by the Moldy Fire. The complex is now mapped at 35,254 acres, with no growth or changes reported on the other fires. Firefighters remain focused on protecting values at risk, particularly Native allotments and structures along the Koyukuk River.
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 