Jade Fire ignites near Kopshesut origin point, threatens Ambler landfill

A wildfire ignited Tuesday five miles west of Ambler near the same location where the Kopshesut Fire originated on June 4, putting the village landfill back in the path of potential fire.

The Kopshesut Fire burned nearly 1,500 acres earlier this month.

Ambler residents spotted the Jade Fire themselves, reporting a large column of smoke rising from an area past the landfill. The fire has not reached the landfill. U.S. Wildland Fire Service officials warned Thursday that if it does, residents would face smoke from two sources at once: "Both wildfire smoke and, if the Jade Fire reaches the landfill, smoke from burning trash contain fine particles and other pollutants that can be harmful to people's health," the agency said. "Even short-term exposure can worsen breathing problems."

The Jade Fire is estimated at 67 acres. Growth was minimal Thursday. Firefighters reported the fire's edge is relatively cool, but lingering pockets of heat remain inside the perimeter. Crews are conducting mop-up, finding and extinguishing hotspots near the edge. Given current conditions, rapid fire growth is possible.

The Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments Type 2 Crew arrived in Ambler on Thursday to relieve some of the smokejumpers working the fire. Their arrival frees smokejumpers to respond to new starts elsewhere. The U.S. Wildland Fire Service Midnight Sun Hotshots and 13 smokejumpers remain assigned to the fire.

Hot, dry, and windy conditions are forecast to continue through the weekend. Red Flag Warnings are in effect for the Upper Kobuk and Lower Koyukuk Valleys. Rain is not expected until Sunday afternoon or night at the earliest. Officials urge residents to avoid any outdoor burning and use caution with anything that can ignite a fire. Even a small spark can start a wildfire in current conditions.