A detection flight yesterday flew several fires in the Alaska Fire Service (AFS) Upper Yukon Zone, which covers northeastern Alaska, to monitor fire behavior and activity. Daily helicopter reconnaissance flights on the Ptarmigan Complex fires are also helping firefighters determine future work and resource needs based on fire behavior.
A slight uptick in containment on the Ptarmigan Complex and two additionally fires declared out in the Upper Yukon Zone reflect the dedicated work of firefighters to actively monitor area fires and strategically respond.
The Middle and Lower Salcha River Level 2 “Set” evacuation notices has been downgraded to a Level 1 “Ready” due to moderated fire activity and work completed by firefighters to protect the cabins and other sites from the Ninetyeight Fire (#218). All Salcha River area evacuation levels are now at Level 1 “Ready,” which means residents should be ready for potential evacuation. The evacuation map and other information can be found on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations website at Fairbanks North Star Borough. Text WILDFIRES to 67283 to receive text notifications.
Fire managers called the Tlozhavun Fire out yesterday after the fire was 100% contained and completely suppressed. A 38-person Type 4 management organization continues to strategically engage on the Ptarmigan Complex fires. Warmer and drier weather will move into the BLM Alaska Fire Service (BLM AFS) Upper Yukon Zone, which covers northeastern Alaska, over the weekend.
Crews achieved 100% containment around the perimeter of the Tlozhavun Fire Monday, meaning firefighters have established a control line around the fire that should keep it from spreading. Firefighters working other fires in the BLM Alaska Fire Service (BLM AFS) Upper Yukon Zone, which covers northeastern Alaska, continue to make steady progress towards the objectives identified for each fire. Fire managers will continue to watch for and be ready to respond to new starts as the region continues to experience dry conditions.
Crew continue extinguishing hotspots along the edge of existing fires in the BLM Alaska Fire Service (AFS) Upper Yukon Zone that covers the northeastern Alaska as fire managers keep a watchful eye toward new starts in the region. Two fires were discovered Sunday via remote sensing on the Artic National Wildlife Refuge. The Ripple Fire (#468) is approximately 2 acres in size, with creeping, backing, and isolated torching behavior observed. The Sheenjek Fire (#467) is approximately 7 acres in size with creeping, backing, and isolated torching behavior in white and black spruce observed. Both fires will be monitored by occasional BLM AFS flights over the area.
Cloudy, cooler weather with the potential for showers across the Upper Yukon Zone early in the week will help crews make progress towards their objectives.
Cool wet weather is expected through Tuesday and will aid the firefighters of the Goldrun Complex. The Goldrun Complex, located in the Kobuk Valley, consists of nine fires that continue to smolder and show little fire activity. Back hauling, the process of removing unused and unnecessary equipment, supplies, and trash has begun.
Area map of the of the 7 Mile Lookout Fire (#222) and the Tok River Fire for July 20, 2025. Click to download map. Size: 3,969 acres Location: 7 miles southwest of Tok, AK Start Date: June 19, 2025 Cause:… Read More ›
Today will be the last written update for the Ninetyeight Fire (#218) which remained in a creeping and smoldering pattern with some single tree torching. Yesterday crews continued progression of the fireline along the south and southwest corner. Completion of objectives (keep fire north of Salcha river) remains at 54% and acreage at 15,677.
The Ninetyeight Fire (#218) exhibited minimal fire activity yesterday. Crews finished the sprinkler system along the south and southwest perimeter and continued mopping up through the heaviest area of downed debris and timber. Completion remains at 54% and acreage at 15,691.
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 