Alaska DFFP battles 4 wildfires across Interior, Southcentral, Southwest

Four named wildfires reported across Alaska over the weekend of June 20-21 have the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection responding simultaneously in the Interior, Southcentral, and Southwest regions.

Twin Bear Fire

The Twin Bear Fire (#253) near Fairbanks drew a substantial ground and air response. Recreational floaters on the Chena River reported the lightning-caused fire Friday afternoon near Milepost 31 of Chena Hot Springs Road. The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection said the fire is burning in black spruce with a 90% active perimeter, north of the road along Colorado Creek, with several cabins in the immediate area. By Sunday afternoon, 23 firefighters were on the ground, including eight smokejumpers and a U.S. Forest Service Tongass Small Module, with helitack continuing bucket operations. Drivers on Chena Hot Springs Road are advised to watch for firefighting equipment responding to the incident.

McGrath Area Fires

Outside McGrath, the Joaquin Fire (#238) is burning 31.5 miles to the southwest. The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection ordered additional aerial resources specifically because of a nearby native allotment, deploying six smokejumpers, one air attack platform, and two single-engine water scoopers to the 30-acre fire. No structures are threatened. Also near McGrath, the Vanderpool Fire (#256) was located about 9 miles to the east on Sunday afternoon, estimated at 8 to 10 acres, with retardant tankers ordered from Palmer because of private property in the area.

Matanuska Fire

The Matanuska Fire (#255) near mile 36 of the S Glenn Highway was reported at 3:00 p.m. Sunday and called contained and controlled as of 4:50 p.m. at 0.32 acres. Four DFFP engines, one helicopter, and borough resources were engaged in suppression, with two engines remaining on scene for mop-up operations.

Fire Weather

A Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service in Fairbanks for the Central Interior was in effect through 10:00 p.m. Sunday, citing scattered thunderstorms, humidity dropping to around 30 percent, and wind gusts near storms reaching 40 mph.