Selawik landfill fire smoke poses distinct health risk beyond wildfire haze

Smoke from the Oblaron Fire near Selawik carries a health risk beyond typical wildfire haze. The fire is suspected to have escaped the community landfill, meaning residents may have been exposed to smoke from burning trash and other toxic pollutants.

The fire also came within 100 yards of a newly constructed solar array and threatened a fuel tank farm before crews made strong progress Tuesday, bringing the fire to 90% containment. That means firefighters have built a secure control line and extinguished remaining hot spots, and the fire is not expected to spread further in those areas.

The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection flagged the distinction in its Wednesday update. "There is considerable concern about the noxious smoke produced by the burning material in the nearby landfill," the agency said. "Both wildfire smoke and smoke from burning trash contain fine particles and other pollutants that can be very harmful to people's health. These particles can irritate the eyes and lungs and are especially dangerous for Elders, young children, and people with heart or respiratory conditions. Even short‑term exposure can worsen breathing problems."

Burning waste concentrates toxic materials and produces harmful smoke in ways that tundra vegetation does not, according to EPA guidance for tribal communities in Alaska. Selawik has documented environmental health concerns tied to its unregulated dump area, with a community climate and health assessment identifying dump cleanup as a priority adaptation measure.

The fire was reported July 6, when it grew from roughly half an acre to an estimated 20 acres by evening. Twelve smokejumpers from Galena were initially deployed. The fire now stands at 21 acres. A helicopter used a long-line water bucket to suppress flames within the landfill, while a second helicopter and smokejumpers worked the outer perimeter with buckets, pumps, and hoses. Eight smokejumpers are being released from the fire for reassignment elsewhere in Alaska, with four smokejumpers and one helicopter remaining on scene until the fire is fully contained and risks to local infrastructure and the community are reduced as much as possible.

Residents with respiratory conditions, heart conditions, or who care for Elders and young children should consult air quality resources through the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation at dec.alaska.gov/air/anpms/wildfire-smoke.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Upper Kobuk, Middle Yukon, and Upper and Lower Koyukuk Valleys from noon until 10 p.m. Wednesday, citing scattered thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds, with gusts to 30 mph expected in the Kobuk Valley. New ignitions remain possible.