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.
With the low fire activity across the state and additional Alaska crews becoming available every day, the BLM Alaska Fire Service Midnight Sun Interagency Hotshot Crew has gone to Canada in support of the effort on wildfires.
Here’s a 7 p.m. photo of the Loon Lake Fire following a ramped-up aerial assault on the 150-acre wildfire burning in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge that included water drops from two water-scooping aircraft from the BLM Alaska Fire Service… Read More ›
Alaska-based BLM hotshot crews, Chena and Midnight Sun, have traveled to support the fire suppression effort in the Lower 48 intermittently since 1987.
Having qualified and capable medical first responders among initial attack firefighters directly on the fireline is crucial to treating trauma in the field, especially in Alaska. Organized by BLM AFS, this three-week Basic EMT class is routinely offered to AFS and State of Alaska wildland firefighters who may be the only ones working on a remote fire.
BLM Alaska Fire Service Smokejumpers responded to two fires in rural Alaska in the last few days, emphasizing dry conditions still exist in some areas despite the wet, cold weather present in other regions. The Richmond Fire (#338) burning 39 miles north of Bettles is suspected of being human caused. It’s a reminder that people still need to be careful that their outdoor activities don’t ignite a fire.
Smoke from the Sheenjek River Fire blanketed Fort Yukon Wednesday night. All three staffed fires in Alaska are located within the Yukon Flats. Click on link to learn more.
The BLM Alaska Fire Service Midnight Sun Hotshots are mobilizing to protect a Native allotment from the Sheenjek Fire (#296) burning about 46 miles north of Fort Yukon. While other fires throughout Alaska remain dormant, the Sheenjek Fire recently came to life and grew substantially over the past few days, causing smoke to drift into Venetie about 37 miles to the west.
Firefighters continue to make progress and get close to containment of three staffed fires in the Yukon Flats. This will be the last update on these fires unless conditions significantly change.
(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) – Rain helped cool all four staffed fires in northeastern Interior (including the Isom Creek Fire (#187) burning near the Dalton Highway Yukon River Crossing) helping firefighters make progress toward containment. No new fires were sparked yesterday in… Read More ›
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 