Five wildfires burning across Interior and Western Alaska as Siruk reaches 60% containment

At least five named wildfires were burning across Interior and Western Alaska on Monday, with the largest at 60% containment and a forecast of hot, dry conditions as crews continue suppression work.

The Siruk Fire has grown to 619 acres along the Alatna River, 23 miles northwest of Allakaket. Forty-four personnel pushed containment from 30% to 60% over three days, using overcast skies and brief rain to work both flanks. Two Native allotments sit near the fire and are not currently threatened. The U.S. Wildland Fire Service reported that "the forecast for today and tomorrow calls for high temperatures in the 80s and critically dry relative humidity around 25%." Winds are expected to remain calm, which could help limit fire activity despite the hot, dry conditions.

Three Other Fires Active in the Region

Three other fires remain active in the region. The Notakok Fire is burning in black spruce about 4 miles north of Kaltag, roughly 1.5 miles from the nearest Native allotment, with 12 smokejumpers and water-scooping aircraft responding. The Cone Fire in Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge and the Owhat Fire near Aniak are both under active attack. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection said of the Owhat Fire: "The fire activity this morning is minimal and perimeter lines are established around the fire. Crews are making good progress and will begin mopping up and putting out any hotspots later today." A fifth fire, the Ready Bullion Fire near Livengood, ignited July 4 within a mile of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and was fully contained at half an acre the same day it was reported.

The terrain around Allakaket and Alatna is accessible mainly by air, a factor that shapes how quickly additional resources can be deployed if conditions change.