Alaska logs 13 new wildfire investigations in 72 hours

Fire agencies opened 13 wildfire investigations across Alaska between June 11 and June 14, spanning from Kaktovik on the Arctic coast to southwest Alaska, as elevated fire danger prompted a Red Flag Warning for the Delta Junction area and burn permit suspensions in Interior Alaska.

A Red Flag Warning was issued for the Delta Junction area Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14, citing strong winds, low humidity, warm temperatures, and dry fuels that may cause fires to spread rapidly. The National Weather Service issued a Wind Advisory for the Fairbanks area through Sunday.

All 13 incidents remain at 0.00 acres in official records. In Alaska dispatch systems, 0.00-acre incidents typically indicate a new smoke report or unverified start until ground or aerial resources confirm the fire's size and spread.

Burn permits remain suspended in the Tok and Delta Fire Prevention Areas, effective June 4, due to elevated fire danger. Residents are prohibited from burning debris piles, lawns, or using burn barrels under the suspension. Cooking and warming fires are still allowed, provided extreme caution is exercised.

In June 2025, extended high temperatures in Interior and northwest Alaska contributed to at least 173 new wildfires statewide, illustrating how rapidly fire activity can ramp up under warm, dry conditions.

The 13 investigations include the Airport Dike fire near Fairbanks (discovered June 11), the South Fork fire near Tok (discovered June 11), the Kaltag Dump fire in western Alaska (discovered June 11), the Canyon fire in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area (discovered June 12), the Kaktovik Dump fire on the Arctic coast (discovered June 12), the Dummy fire in Interior Alaska (discovered June 12), the Titnuk fire in southwest Alaska (discovered June 12), the Murphy Dome fire near Fairbanks (discovered June 12), the Jefferson fire in eastern Interior Alaska (discovered June 12), the Gold fire near Delta Junction (discovered June 13), the Minto fire near Fairbanks (discovered June 14), the Scenic fire near Fairbanks (discovered June 14), and the Hager fire on the Kenai Peninsula (discovered June 14).

State law requires burn permits for open burning on state, private, and municipal lands between April 1 and August 31. Permit holders are advised to monitor local conditions and contact their respective area offices for the most current status updates.