Jade Fire near Ambler reaches 70% containment

A wildfire burning 3 miles west of Ambler has not reached the community landfill and is now 70% contained, but officials are warning residents to avoid outdoor burning and use caution with anything that can ignite a fire while crews finish the job.

The Jade Fire reached that milestone Sunday, five days after it was first reported June 23. Residents had raised specific concerns about whether the fire could threaten community infrastructure, including the landfill. Officials confirmed it has not.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service credited the Midnight Sun Hotshots and the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments Type 2 Crew with the progress. "The fire is 70% contained, thanks to days of hard work by the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Midnight Sun Hotshots and the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments Type 2 Crew," the agency said in its Sunday update.

Firefighters are conducting a grid search for hotspots within 300 feet of the fire's edge. "Firefighters are continuing to push further in from the fire's edge to identify and extinguish any residual heat that could threaten the control line," the agency said. That work is expected to wrap up within the next few days.

Cooler, wetter weather is helping. "Weather is expected to be cooler over the next few days with the possibility of scattered showers and even a period of steady rain," the U.S. Wildland Fire Service said. Some minimal fire growth remains possible even with the improved conditions.

Smoke has not significantly affected the community, but the agency advised residents to monitor conditions and take precautions if that changes. Wildfire smoke is especially dangerous for elders, young children, and people with heart or respiratory conditions. Air quality information is available at dec.alaska.gov/air/anpms/wildfire-smoke/.

Public Information Officer Geoff Liesik is the designated contact for updates. He can be reached at [email protected] or (907) 356-5510. Current fire information is also available at akfireinfo.com.