Wildfires in the Yukon Flats exhibited extreme fire behavior Thursday for the second day in a row – prompting smokejumpers to conduct burn operations to protect two Native allotments and a cabin.
Bearman Fire
Wildfires show extreme behavior in northeastern Alaska due to dry, warm conditions
While rains have swept through a majority of Alaska, they have largely avoided northeastern Alaska which remains the warmest, driest part of the state. The area hasn’t seen a new fire since July 29, but existing wildfires in the Yukon Flats remain very active while other fires in the rest of the state are largely dormant.
Work completed on several Upper Yukon Zone fires as firefighters shift to other incidents
Most of the staffed fires across the Upper Yukon Zone have achieved their objectives and fire managers are moving firefighters and equipment to other incidents. The wet weather forecasted for the next week is expected to bring additional relief but… Read More ›
Changes in Upper Yukon Zone weather provides some relief to firefighters.
All of the staffed fires in the Upper Yukon Zone reported significant progress yesterday and are starting to move firefighters and equipment to new priority fires. The break in the thunderstorms, cooler temperatures and precipitation over the last several days… Read More ›
Firefighters gain ground on many Upper Yukon Zone fires, fire managers monitor progress and shift resources.
Firefighters were grateful for moderate weather and are wrapping up several of the 54 active fires in the Upper Yukon Zone. Currently 5 fires are staffed including 1 new start that smokejumpers contained last night at 1.5 acres. Fire Managers… Read More ›
Last day of Red Flag warnings across Upper Yukon Zone ends with 5,525 strikes
On the final day of a record setting stretch of red flag warnings for lightning 5,525 strikes were reported across the zone yesterday. With lower temperatures and higher humidities no new fires were reported. Fire Managers continue to focus on… Read More ›
Bearman Fire #444 doubles in size, fire managers evaluate options for containment
The Bearman Fire (#444), between Ft. Yukon and Venetie just East of the Tedriinjik (Chandalar) River, grew almost 300 acres toward the North and East yesterday doubling the current footprint. With 39 personnel assigned to the incident, firefighters have been… Read More ›
Firefighters make progress on multiple fires in the Upper Yukon Zone
A new record was set today for the number of consecutive days of red flag warnings for lightning. With 3,323 new strikes reported, and 53 active fires across the Upper Yukon Zone, firefighters are making progress on the 5 staffed… Read More ›
Upper Yukon Firefighters Make Progress on Active Fires In Spite of Continued Red Flags for Lightning
Firefighters across the Upper Yukon Zone are making significant progress on the active fires in the region. Precipitation has accompanied many of the thunderstorms and helped to temporarily temper fire activity. The National Weather Service has extended the Red Flag… Read More ›
Yukon Flats Set to Break Record for Consecutive Red Flag Warnings for Lightning
Red Flag warnings for lightning have been extended through Sunday night for the Upper Yukon Zone tying the current record set during the 2015 fire season. 1,300 new strikes were reported yesterday but precipitation accompanied many of the storms which… Read More ›