A new wildfire, the Tlozhavun (#448) was discovered 10 miles south of Fort Yukon by an Alaska Fire Service detection flight just before 9.m. on July 13.
Tsukon Fire
Polly Fire increasing activity; advisory issued for Taylor Highway
The Polly Fire (#435) is visible from the Taylor Highway. A caution notice has been issued for travelers from milepost 115 to 100 due to low visibility from smoke and the proximity of the fire to the highway. There are no active closures or evacuations at this time.
Smokejumpers begin point protection on Fortymile River
Two active fires are being staffed in the Upper Yukon zone, the Tsukon Fire (#382) and the Polly Fire (#435). Both are being managed under a point protection strategy.
Widespread rain across the Upper Yukon slows fire growth
Precipitation has fallen across the Upper Yukon for the last two days. Some areas have received up to an inch of rain during that timeframe, although the accumulation has varied across the zone. Precipitation will begin to slow on Thursday, with a return to dry and warm conditions beginning on Friday
Upper Yukon receives both rain and lightning, crews begin point protection on the Tsukon Fire
A change in weather has arrived in the Upper Yukon, with up to 4,600 lightning strikes impacting the zone since Monday. Precipitation accumulations are variable throughout the zone, with some areas receiving as little as one tenth inch of rain and the average amount for the zone being one quarter of an inch received by 5:00 p.m. Despite the presence of moisture, the possibility of new fires becoming established from lightning strikes remains high due to dry fuels.
Firefighters contain Fortymile Fire; shifting winds drive growth on other nearby fires
Today in the Upper Yukon Fire Management Zone, a red flag warning is in effect until 10 p.m. for the Yukon Flats due to abundant lightning and dry fuels. No significant precipitation has accumulated on any of the other staffed fires within the zone. An inversion of smoke persisted for most of the day, limiting some aerial operations.
Upper Yukon fires expect a change in weather conditions in the coming days
There are currently four staffed fires burning in the Upper Yukon Fire Management Zone, the Tsukon (#382), Fortymile Fire (#355), Runt Fire (#330), the Obrien (#172), and the Ptarmigan Complex. A total of 214 active wildfires are burning across the State of Alaska as of July 6.
Firefighting resources continue to respond to fires in the Upper Yukon
Firefighting crews continue to respond to fires in the Upper Yukon, including one new start which was discovered Friday evening.
Aircraft respond to new Upper Yukon fire; Fortymile Fire fully contained
Firefighting aircraft were assigned to a new start Friday night north of the Yukon River between Venetie and Fort Yukon. The Tsukon Fire (#382) is estimated at 10 acres and was started by lightning. It is burning in a full protection area about 17 miles southeast of Venetie and about 26 miles northwest of Fort Yukon.
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 