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.
Goose 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.
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 ›
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 ›
Over 3,000 Lightning Strikes Reported in the Upper Yukon Zone
Yesterday, thunderstorms across Alaska were concentrated in the Upper Yukon Zone resulting in over 3,000 lightning strikes. Fortunately, many of these storms included some precipitation but firefighters will be watching for new starts in the coming days as a result… Read More ›
Firefighters Make Progress in Upper Yukon Zone but Remain Wary of New Starts Under Red Flag Warnings
Three new fires started yesterday bringing the total to 51 active fires burning in the Upper Yukon Zone. Red Flag Warnings for lightning remain in place across the Zone. Firefighters have made significant progress on several fires and are being… Read More ›
Continued Red Flag Warnings issued for the Upper Yukon Zone as Managers evaluate and shift firefighting resources.
The Upper Yukon Zone currently has 48 active fires with 132 personnel assigned to seven fires. Yesterday, 1100 lightning strikes were reported resulting in five new fires. Red Flag Warnings for lightning have been extended through Friday. Firefighters continue to… Read More ›
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 