Tatlanika Fire smoke reaches Fairbanks, 39 miles away

Smoke from the Tatlanika Fire is now visible in Fairbanks and Nenana, with the blaze remaining in a limited-response area where no infrastructure, structures, or allotments are currently threatened, the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection reported in a July 8 update.

The fire, first discovered June 20 about 25 miles east of Clear and 39 miles southwest of Fairbanks, has shown increased activity and smoke this week. The fire is currently estimated at 982 acres. Because it sits in a limited-response area, Fairbanks Area Forestry personnel are tracking its perimeter through reconnaissance flights rather than active suppression.

Showers and thunderstorms are forecast for parts of the Interior later this week, which may moderate fire activity. The agency cautioned that smoke may remain visible even as weather conditions shift.

Residents in Fairbanks and Nenana can monitor updates at akfireinfo.com.