Red Flag Warnings hit Southwest Alaska three days running

The National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings across Southwest Alaska on Wednesday and Thursday this week, with critical fire-weather conditions affecting remote communities during early June.

On Wednesday, June 3, the National Weather Service in Anchorage issued a Red Flag Warning effective until 8 p.m. for the Kuskokwim Valley, Interior Kuskokwim Delta, Inland Bristol Bay, Northern Bristol Bay Coast, and Bristol Bay Borough. On Thursday, June 4, the warning narrowed to Inland Bristol Bay, Lake Iliamna, Nila Vena, and Nanvarpak, effective from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Hot temperatures, low humidity, and northwest winds gusting to 20 mph combined with dry fuels to create critical fire conditions. Any new fire starts or existing fires may spread rapidly under these conditions.

The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection advised residents to check for burn restrictions or burn permit suspensions in their areas. Officials also urged the public to avoid using equipment that may emit sparks, such as chainsaws or lawnmowers, in dry grassy areas, properly dispose of cigarettes, and fully extinguish campfires.

A cooling trend and higher relative humidity are forecast to begin Friday and last into the weekend across the region.