Thousands of lightning strikes recorded in southwest Alaska on Sunday, leading to possible new fires – Alaska Wildland Fire Information

Sunday's storms produced nearly 7,000 lightning strikes across the state, with a heavy concentration in southwest Alaska. Many of those storms brought torrential rains, but they were scattered and missed many of the more than 100 active fires across the state. There are 31 active fires in southwest Alaska. Monday, weather conditions will be the same as Sunday, with significant lightning potential. There is a high probability of persistent fires.

Lightning is responsible for a new beginning in the southwest. Several residents of Igiugig, west of Lake Iliamna, reported the flash and subsequent smoke. An aerial surveillance module confirmed the Kaskanak Creek Fire (#232) burning in a full response zone 3 miles northwest of Igiugig. The Smokejumpers responded from their base at Fort Wainwright, but did not see smoke or find a burned area and returned to base. Rain associated with passing thunderstorms may have extinguished the fire. Fire managers will request reconnaissance of the area and remain in contact with Igiugig residents if the fire reignites.

THE American Creek Fire (#143) which began following a lightning strike on June 16, is burning in a limited response zone 25 miles northeast of King Salmon, between Nonvianuk Lake to the north and Coville Lake to the south. A reconnaissance flight reported that the fire was approximately 2,000 acres in size and active on the north and west sides, with primary growth to the west. This fire creates a column that is highly visible from the surrounding area and across Cook Inlet. Firefighters are aware of the fire and are monitoring it. It does not immediately threaten any valuable assets and will be able to progress as a natural feature of the landscape.

Below is an update on Sunday's actions on fires managed by the Type 3 organization in southwest Alaska, now known as the Red Devil Group. Staff assigned and square footage have been updated to reflect the most recent figures.

Cribby Creek Fire (#201) – 3 miles north of Red Devil is burning in a modified response zone and is estimated at 400 acres with 10% containment. 28 people affected. The fire received heavy rain and some lightning. Several interior smokes were visible. Crews have completed 45% of their saw line in the southern portion of the fire, the most active part of the fire due to recent northerly winds. There is no water source nearby, making pumps and pipe-laying systems impractical. The helicopter assigned to the Red Devil Group is available for bucket drops to support firefighters on the ground.

South Fork George River Fire (#172) – 8.5 miles northeast of Georgetown in a modified response zone and is estimated at 5,043 acres. Satellite monitoring shows no new heat signatures or growth. The Red Devil Group is monitoring this fire and will assess values ​​near the fire perimeter.

Portage Fire (#169) – 5.5 miles southwest of Georgetown, south of the Kuskokwim River, in a full response area and is estimated at 1,500 acres. Firefighters construct an indirect fire line to protect indigenous plots near the perimeter. Once finished, they will look for opportunities to go directly to the edge of the fire to stop its spread.

Other active fires in southwest Alaska follow with updates Saturday on suppression efforts, personnel and acreage.

Crater Mountain Fire (#206) – 18 miles west of Takotna, between Ganes and Beaver creeks, burning in a full response zone and estimated at 1,000 acres. The 12 smokers completed preparations to protect the Ganes Creek Mine structure, 3 miles north of the fire. Fire activity has moderated and spread little. Smoke bombs will demobilize from the fire on Monday. If the fire progresses toward the mine, a helicopter will be dispatched to the mine to start the pumps and sprinklers in place that are part of the structure protection setup.

Flat Creek Fire (#178) – 1.75 miles south of the Flat Mining Area airstrip in a full response area, estimated at 36 acres. Firefighters searched the fire for good and found no areas of heat. The fire is contained, brought under control and reported. All personnel were freed from the fire. This will be the last update on this fire.

Ivy Creek Fire (#156) – 14.5 miles north of McGrath in a modified response zone and is estimated at 70 acres with 98% containment. 27 people affected. The fire has received light rainfall as firefighters continue to increase their mop-up zone to 100 feet wide in the burned area along the perimeter of the fire. Surplus equipment, supplies and waste are being prepared for return in anticipation of demobilization in the coming days.

There are 23 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.

For more information about fire response management options in Alaska, visit

For more information on active fires in Alaska, read the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center's daily situation report available online here,

Categories: Active wildfires, Alaska DNR – Division of Forestry (DOF)

Tags: American Creek Fire, Crater Mountain Fire, Cribby Creek Fire, Flat Creek Fire, Ivy Creek Fire, Kaskanak Creek Fire, Portage Fire, South Fork George River Fire