Smokejumpers deploy to Star Fire near Eagle on Taylor Highway

A small wildfire burning 400 yards west of the Taylor Highway near milepost 149 prompted BLM Alaska Fire Service to warn Thursday that smoke could be visible from the highway and ask motorists not to stop near the incident.

The Star Fire (#172) was reported at 5–8 acres at 4:50 p.m. Thursday by smokejumpers circling the area, according to BLM Alaska Fire Service. The fire is burning mostly in black spruce approximately 11–12 miles south of Eagle.

Twelve smokejumpers were constructing fireline and conducting burnout operations to contain the fire as of Thursday evening.

The Taylor Highway corridor south of Eagle has previously experienced wildfires requiring smokejumper response, including the Polly Fire reported near milepost 108 in July 2025.