Smokejumpers parachuted into a roadless village to save its solar array

A fire that started in the Selawik landfill and ran across the tundra came within about 100 yards of the village's solar array and threatened its fuel tanks before smokejumpers stopped it — parachuting into a community with no road in and no grid to fall back on.

Twelve smokejumpers from Galena jumped in on July 6 after the fire escaped the landfill and spread on the wind. An air tanker laid retardant directly in front of the solar array to slow the flames, and crews held the fire at 21 acres, stopping it just short of the panels.

Selawik, in northwestern Alaska, isn't connected to any regional power grid or road system. Its solar array and tank farm aren't amenities; they're how the village keeps the lights on. Lose them and there's no quick way to truck in a replacement.

One thing worked in their favor: the ground underneath was still frozen. A cool, damp spring left the deeper soil layers locked up, so the fire stayed on the surface instead of burning down into the tundra.

A few smokejumpers stayed on to grid the area near the village for hot spots. Smoke from the burning landfill remains a health concern nearby.