Firefighters are continuing to make steady progress on the Kopshesut Fire as warmer weather settles over the area. Containment reached 50% on Tuesday. Firefighters successfully connected control line along the fire’s edges down to the Kobuk River. Work is now… Read More ›
2026 Alaska Fire Season
DFFP Responds to Yenlo Fire North of Skwentna
1000 PM – The work of aerial resources on the Yenlo Fire (#166) moderated fire behavior and slowed its growth. While there is still interior heat remaining, there is minimal concern of the fire spreading overnight. Helicopters are currently completing… Read More ›
Forecast Winds Could Bring Smoke From Kopshesut Fire Into Ambler as Weather Warms Up
Light westerly winds are predicted today and, if fire activity increases as temperatures rise, could blow smoke into Ambler. Firefighters continue strengthening firelines in chilly conditions ahead of the expected warm‑up to keep the Kopshesut Fire from moving closer to… Read More ›
Cloudy Weather, Showers Help Firefighters Increase Containment of Kopshesut Fire
Cloudy weather with isolated showers on Sunday helped firefighters secure more of the fire’s edge. Containment increased to 30%, and the fire remains estimated at 1,447 acres. Although the area received more rain than expected, it likely wasn’t enough to… Read More ›
DFFP weekly wildland fire roundup for June 1 – 7
It was busy this past week in the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP) response area with 28 new fires. Only one required an extended attack, the Mastadon Fire (#131) was discovered on Wednesday, June 3rd. It was called out on Sunday. The majority of the rest were the typical human caused fires, many… Read More ›
Firefighters, Aircraft Hold Afternoon Flareup on Kopshesut Fire
Firefighters were already working on the ground when a small section on the west side of the fire near the Kobuk River flared up Saturday afternoon, sending a large plume of smoke into the air. The two water scoopers were… Read More ›
Kopshesut Fire Slows as Firefighters and Aircraft Strengthen Firelines
Winds and fire activity decreased Friday as U.S. Wildland Fire Service personnel and aircraft made progress toward containing the Kopshesut Fire (#137), burning about a mile west of Ambler. Water dropping aircraft and smokejumpers made solid progress on the eastern… Read More ›
Mastadon Fire Reaches 100% Containment
The Mastadon Fire (#131) was declared 100% contained at 1:11 PM on Friday. With containment objectives achieved, the Pioneer Peak Hotshot Crew has been released from the incident and will begin refurbishing equipment before becoming available for Initial Attack and… Read More ›
U.S. Wildland Fire Service Firefighters, Aircraft Continue Efforts to Contain the Kopshesut Fire near Ambler
Fire activity significantly moderated overnight, allowing U.S. Wildland Fire Service personnel to advance efforts to stop the spread of the Kopshesut Fire toward Ambler. Using a direct extinguishment strategy, 24 smokejumpers — supported by single‑engine water scoopers, helicopters, and two… Read More ›
Burn Permits suspended in Fairbanks, Salcha and Railbelt Fire Prevention Areas
Burn Permits are suspended effective Friday morning, June 5th, in the Fairbanks, Salcha, and Railbelt Fire Prevention Area. This suspension is due to dry and windy conditions. All zones of the Fairbanks Prevention Area are suspended. Burning of debris piles,… Read More ›