Resources are deployed and suppression measures are intensified to fight wildfires in southwest Alaska – Alaska Wildland Fire Information

The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection has deployed additional resources to southwest Alaska and suppression efforts are underway. In response to the increase in new fires following Monday's lightning strikes, resources were allocated to fires based on priority derived from location and proximity to values ​​at risk. Ground firefighters work in collaboration with air support to slow down and extinguish as many fires as possible in total or modified protection zones. Detector flights conducted on Tuesday confirmed the locations of several additional fires, bringing the total number of fires in the South West region to 28. Weather conditions in the region are expected to moderate slightly over the coming days, contributing to to the effectiveness of firefighting efforts. Scattered showers brought variable precipitation to some fires.

THE Michevik Swamp Fire (#175) was reported at 65 acres. Eight smoke bombs responded from St. Mary's and were deployed. They were able to secure part of the fire, keeping it at 80 acres Wednesday morning. The Smokejumpers plan to have the remainder of the fire secured by noon Thursday and be available to bail out of the fire. Multiple housing developments and structures are threatened. This fire is burning in a total suppression management zone.

THE Flat Creek Fire (#178) was discovered by a detection flight and traced in full protection just under 2 miles south of Flat. A team of five firefighters from DOF Helitack responded to reports of a 26-acre fire crawling through the black spruce. The mining works and the landing strip in the Plate area are protection priorities.

THE Ivy Creek Fire (#156) was reported 15 miles northwest of McGrath and 3 miles west of the nearest cabin. 12 smoke bombs were deployed and worked in conjunction with two Fire Boss water scoops. Smokejumpers reported lower fire activity Tuesday afternoon and no growth overnight. A hose installation was carried out on the right side of the fire. The Smokejumpers have been joined by 14 additional firefighters from McGrath and are working to clear and secure the fire boundary. The DOF plans to hire 18 additional firefighters from McGrath on Thursday. The fire is 25 acres in size and 80% contained. This fire is burning in a modified suppression management zone. The nearest cabin is 8 km away.

THE Eightmile Creek Fire (#171) is currently estimated to be between 500 and 800 acres, burning black spruce and mixed hardwoods. This fire is burning in a total suppression management zone, 2.5 miles south of a native subdivision and 8.5 miles west of Red Devil. The Kuskokwim River acts as a natural barrier preventing the spread of fire between the fire and the subdivision. No value is immediately threatened.

THE Portage Fire (#169) currently spans 200 acres and burns through grass and tundra and has reached the river. A retardant has been dropped on the eastern flank and the fire is moving towards a former burned area on the western side. This is a total suppression fire and there are several Aboriginal housing developments in the area.

THE Owhat River Fire (#165) was reported by residents of Chuathbaluk. The fire is 700 acres and has been placed on watch status. This fire is burning in a modified suppression management zone, there is no value at risk. DOF will continue to monitor this fire and respond as necessary.

THE South Fork George River Fire (#172) is currently estimated to be between 300 and 800 acres. This fire is burning in a modified suppression management area and burning near Native housing developments. The DOF coordinates with newly arrived resources and develops a response plan.

THE Downey Creek Fire (#170) is currently on 50 acres and smoldering with light visible smoke. This fire is burning in a modified suppression management area, 2.5 miles south of Georgetown. No value is immediately threatened.

THE Muskeg Creek Fire (#163) was reported on 0.5 acres 3 miles west of Stoney River Lodge. Visible smoke was observed. This fire is burning in a modified suppression management area, there is a body of water and wetlands between the lodge and the fire. DOF will continue to monitor this fire and respond as necessary.

There are 15 additional fires burning in limited management areas that will continue to be monitored by the DOF Southwest Zone Office. The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection will continue to share information about fires in southwest Alaska as it becomes available through reconnaissance flights and ground resources.

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Categories: AK Fire Info

Tags: 2024 Alaska Fire Season, Alaska Division of Forestry, McGrath, Southwest Region Fires