Ambler wildfire reaches 1,500 acres as fire activity slows

The Kopshesut Fire outside Ambler held at just under 1,500 acres and 20% contained as of June 7. Fire activity decreased in the last 24 hours.

Sixty-eight personnel are assigned to the fire. The crew includes 24 smokejumpers, Midnight Sun Hotshots, and The North Star Fire Crew. Aviation support continues.

Crews have applied 250,000 gallons of water to the fire. Water applied by smokejumpers on the ground and dropped from aircraft visibly calmed fire activity.

The fire is burning in black spruce, mixed hardwoods, and tundra with tall grass. High winds pushed the fire hard in recent days. Behavior has slowed to creeping and smoldering with occasional torching.

The fire started next to a nearby landfill. Officials said smoke from burning material in the landfill is a concern.

Crews continue working to protect the village. The fire burned within a mile of Ambler, and firefighters held a flare-up earlier this week.