Rain and cooler temperatures set up over the McDonald Fire on Thursday as a series of fronts pushed across the region. This moderated fire behavior. A reconnaissance flight found minimal fire activity, mostly backing and smoldering. There was minimal perimeter growth. Overnight, weather stations in the area received anywhere from a half inch to an inch of rain.
McDonald Fire
Wet weather expected over McDonald Fire today
The McDonald Fire received wind from the west-southwest Wednesday, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Fire behavior was moderated due to the higher humidity yesterday and smoke was present on the highway over the course of the day.
Minimal fire activity observed on McDonald Fire
Size: 165,038 Personnel: 76 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning FAIRBANKS, Alaska – There was minimal fire activity across the McDonald Fire on Tuesday. Heavy smoke over the fire dissipated, reducing the impact on the highway and surrounding areas…. Read More ›
Cooler temperatures and light rains calm the McDonald Fire
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Much of the McDonald Fire received light rain and cooler temperatures on Monday, calming fire activity. Although the rain wasn’t enough to wet the vegetation, it helped clear the air and lighten the smoke layer. Some stronger… Read More ›
BLM Alaska Fire Service Fire Update
As of 5.p.m. on Monday, there were 163 active wildfires statewide, with 18 new starts in the past 24 hours. So far, 306 fires have burned 434,914 acres across Alaska. Brief updates are provided for todays staffed fires within the… Read More ›
Thick smoke helps temper McDonald Fire behavior
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The McDonald Fire was active on Sunday, gaining another 15,000 acres. Winds were gusty in the afternoon as thunderstorms moved around the area. Fire activity slowed later in the afternoon when the layer of smoke thickened and… Read More ›
BLM Alaska Fire Service Fire Update
As of 5.p.m. on Sunday, there were 160 active wildfires statewide, with 19 new starts in the past 24 hours. So far, 298 fires have burned 388,194 acres across Alaska. Brief updates are provided for todays staffed fires within the… Read More ›
Hot, dry conditions keep the McDonald Fire active
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The McDonald Fire remains active, even in old burn areas. Facilitated by persistent hot, dry conditions, the fire is running through dry grasses and traveling through stringers of black spruce trees. Expected cooler temperatures and higher overnight… Read More ›
BLM Alaska Fire Service Fire Update
As of 5.p.m. on Saturday, there were 149 active wildfires statewide, with 11 new starts in the past 24 hours. So far, 286 fires have burned 306,605 acres across Alaska. Brief updates are provided for the staffed fires in northwestern… Read More ›
McDonald Fire grows, but not threatening cabins
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Flanking, backing, and some torching were observed on the McDonald Fire on Friday, resulting in about 8,000 acres of growth. Landscape features such as previously burned areas, rivers, and streams continue to hold the fire, although the… Read More ›
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 