FAIRBANKS, Alaska – With the assistance of a helicopter providing aerial ignitions, crews continued burning operations Thursday to protect cabins along 5 Mile Creek. The goal of these operations is to remove burnable vegetation in a controlled manner in front of… Read More ›
McDonald Fire
McDonald Fire remains west of the Tanana River
Size: 39,706 acres Personnel: 73 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Persistent thunderstorms continue near the McDonald Fire, bringing winds to increase fire activity in both northern and southern areas. Firefighters implemented burning operations Wednesday to protect the cabins along the… Read More ›
Firefighters maintain vigilant on McDonald Fire
Following several days of persistent thunderstorms, firefighters remain alert for another bout of gusty, erratic winds on the McDonald Fire Wednesday afternoon.
Initial attack increases across Southwest Alaska causing air quality to diminish
On Monday, Southwest Alaska saw an increase in initial attack fire activity due to an abundance of lightning and new fire starts prompting an air quality advisory for smoke until Thursday, June 20. The accompanying Red Flag Warning for increased… Read More ›
Gusty erratic winds increase fire behavior on McDonald Fire
Size: 35,618 acres Personnel: 73 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning Update 1:15 p.m. – The Fairbanks North Star Borough expanded the READY notice Tuesday to residences along the Johnson Road and near the Salcha Campgrounds. Find more information… Read More ›
McDonald Fire resources shift to meet challenges from the increased fire behavior
Size: 30,590.9 acres Personnel: 57 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning Updated information at 4:40 p.m., June 17, 2024: Two Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection engines are patrolling the Richardson Highway across the Tanana River from the… Read More ›
Warmer, dryer weather predicted as work continues on the McDonald Fire
Size: 30,022 acres Personnel: 57 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Sunny skies have contributed to warming and drying across the McDonald Fire. On Saturday afternoon, a fly over of the McDonald Fire showed mostly smoldering… Read More ›
Forecasted warm weather will likely increase fire behavior, smoke on the McDonald Fire
Size: 32,725.9 acres Personnel: 54 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning FAIRBANKS, Alaska – After days of rain, warmer, drier weather will return to the McDonald Fire area this weekend, possibly increasing fire activity and smoke. The Blair Lakes… Read More ›
Steady progress continues to protect cabins near the McDonald Fire
Size: 32,725.9 acres Personnel: 49 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The McDonald Fire experienced thunderstorms with lightning and an estimated .15 inch of rain Thursday night. A flight over the fire Thursday afternoon showed minimal… Read More ›
Cabin protection progresses as weather moderates near the McDonald Fire
Size: 32,725 acres (no change) Personnel: 49 Start Date: June 8 Cause: Lightning FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The forecasted weather should continue to keep the McDonald Fire (#119) tempered from what was experienced during the initial days of the fire. This… Read More ›
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 