Firefighters hold flare-up on Kopshesut Fire near Ambler

Firefighters and aircraft held a Saturday afternoon flare-up on the Kopshesut Fire near Ambler, keeping the west-side run from gaining more than about 20 acres as crews worked both sides of the fire, according to Alaska Wildland Fire Information.

The fire remained just under 1,500 acres and 20% contained in a Sunday update from Alaska Wildland Fire Information. The fire is burning about a mile from Ambler and has reached the edge of the Kobuk River about a mile southwest of the village.

Firefighters were already on the ground Saturday when a section near the river flared up and sent a large smoke column into the air. Two water scoopers were sent to the fire. Crews used beaters and chainsaws to cut line around the flare-up.

Fire officials said the work stopped the flare-up from spreading beyond about 20 acres.

There are now 68 personnel assigned to the Kopshesut Fire, including 24 smokejumpers, the Midnight Sun Hotshots and the North Star Fire Crew, which arrived in Ambler on Saturday.

The fire is burning through black spruce, mixed hardwoods, tundra and tall grass. Officials described most fire behavior as creeping and smoldering, with occasional torching. They said crews expect more afternoon flare-ups because vegetation remains extremely dry.

The update also included two factors working in firefighters' favor. The fire is not burning deeply into ground layers, making flames easier to extinguish. Water dropped by aircraft or applied by crews has had a visible effect on fire activity.

The fire began at the Ambler landfill. On Thursday, gusts up to 30 mph pushed flames southeast toward the river instead of directly toward the community. The fast-moving fire burned a nearby Native allotment.

Weather may help in the short term, though winds remain a concern. Fire officials forecast cooler weather Sunday, possible light showers, and 0.05 to 0.15 inches of precipitation through the night. Some showers could turn to snow overnight. Winds were expected to shift north and northwest by midday Monday and increase to about 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph.

Air quality remains a health concern because the fire started in landfill material. Officials said smoke from the fire had not significantly drifted into Ambler as of Sunday's update, but warned that wildfire smoke and smoke from burning trash can contain fine particles and other pollutants that are dangerous for Elders, young children and people with heart or respiratory conditions.

Fire officials said residents should stay alert if smoke moves into the community.