In BLM AFS’s protection area, 166 active fires remain amidst warmer, drier weather conditions, prompting increased vigilance from fire managers. So far, 404 fires have burned nearly 1 million acres. Crews are completing suppression tasks on major fires like Ptarmigan and Lush, while remaining prepared for potential new fire activity.
The current Type 3 incident management team assigned to the Ptarmigan Complex is transitioning at Type 4 organization with the transfer of command set to take place Sunday at 7 a.m. Firefighters and aviation resources will continue their work on the fires.
Moderate fire activity was present yesterday with creeping and smoldering observed. Individual trees were observed torching on the Turtle Fire (#243) and individual smokes were visible from the Buckley Bar Fire (#264). The area expects to see a warming and drying trend for the weekend. This may lead to an increase in fire activity and smoke.
Widespread rain moderated fire activity on the Ptarmigan Complex as a front stalled over the area on Wednesday. A Remote Automatic Weather Station (RAWS) near mile 140 of the Steese highway reported up to half of an inch of rain… Read More ›
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.
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).
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.
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.
A Red Flag Warning has been issued for today due to a forecast that calls for high temperatures, low humidity, and wind. These conditions are expected to cause increased fire activity and smoke across the Ptarmigan Complex. Extreme fire behavior is possible.
A Heat Advisory has been issued for today. The area forecast calls for high temperatures, low humidity, and wind. These conditions are expected to cause increased fire activity and smoke across the Ptarmigan Complex because fuels are more receptive to fire.
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 