A detection flight Sunday night located five new lightning-caused wildfires in the Galena Zone. The zone recorded nearly 1,600 lightning strikes Sunday following days of hot, dry conditions with little to no precipitation.
BLM Alaska Fire Service
New incident management team arrives to the Ptarmigan Complex; shift in weather expected
The Alaska Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team arrived on Sunday to shadow the current outgoing team and assumed command of the fire this morning at 7:00 a.m. There are currently 138 personnel assigned to the Ptarmigan Complex. Today, a weather shift will be occurring across the Alaska interior as the lingering high-pressure ridge begins to collapse.
Rains help to moderate Elephant Fire activity
The Elephant Fire (#225) is located approximately 3 miles north of Eureka and is 5,598 acres. Fire behavior was moderate yesterday with heavy rains on the southern portion of the fire Sunday evening. There is a continued forecast for wetting rains through the day today. A weather pattern change will start tonight, bringing unseasonably cool temperatures higher humidity levels that will help firefighting efforts. Yesterday, one additional crew of firefighters and 3 smokejumpers arrived to assist with the fire.
Upper Yukon fires expect a change in weather conditions in the coming days
There are currently four staffed fires burning in the Upper Yukon Fire Management Zone, the Tsukon (#382), Fortymile Fire (#355), Runt Fire (#330), the Obrien (#172), and the Ptarmigan Complex. A total of 214 active wildfires are burning across the State of Alaska as of July 6.
Northwest Compact and state-to-state agreements bolster Alaskan firefighting resources
The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection relies on local, state, and federal wildland fire partners to assist when we are experiencing extremely active fire seasons that exceed the capacity of Alaskan firefighting resources. As the nation’s current highest… Read More ›
Level 2 “Set” evacuation notice for residents in Eureka due to the Elephant Fire
At noon today, a Level 2 “Set” evacuation notice is in place for Eureka and residences along the Eureka-Rampart Trail due to the Elephant Fire (#225). A “Set” notice means residents should prepare a “go-kit” including prescription medications, emergency supplies, important documents. Plan an evacuation route and keep up to date on the most current local emergency plans. Know where to find the most current information from local authorities. Create a personal wildland fire action plan. Plan multiple escape routes, make sure all those residing within the home know the plan and practice evacuation procedures so everyone is familiar with the plan. Citizens can also follow the Alaska State Troopers Facebook page for the most immediate notification of evacuation changes.
All resources concentrated on Moldy Fire as Roundabout Complex grows to 31,493 acres
The Roundabout Complex is now 31,493 acres, with all growth yesterday on the Moldy Fire (#279). Crews remain focused on structure protection and fireline prep. A heat advisory continues today, though conditions may begin to shift with incoming moisture and a rising chance of thunderstorms.
Overnight growth on Obrien Fire triggers new evacuation levels
Updated Evacuations from Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for the #OBrienFire (#172) 🟡 Level 2 “SET” – Mile post 31 (from the Fairbanks Northstar Borough boundary) – mile post 38 on the Elliot Highway is now in… Read More ›
Crews keep the Ninetyeight Fire North of the Salcha River
Crews continued to battle the Ninetyeight Fire (#218) yesterday as extreme fire weather persisted for a third consecutive day. Winds and low relative humidity threatened established fire lines. Firefighters on the southwest corner, from Mile 33 to Mile 35 along the Salcha River, engaged the fire directly while bucket drops and scoopers supported containment efforts. Although the fire spotted outside the firebreaks a few times, firefighters, assisted by helicopter drops, successfully extinguished these spot fires.
Ptarmigan Complex firefighters prepped for another hot, dry day
Today is expected to be another day of high temperatures, low humidity, and wind. These conditions are expected to increase fire activity and smoke across the Ptarmigan Complex. Extreme fire behavior is possible.
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 