Thousands of lightning strikes spark dozens of new wildland fires around Alaska
Jun. 19—Lightning, wind and warmth have sparked and fueled dozens of new wildland fires around Alaska, including several near communities.
Nearly 50 new fires were reported across the state Tuesday and Wednesday following widespread thunderstorms.
The 20-acre Obrien Fire north of Fairbanks was spotted Tuesday and by Wednesday prompted the closure of the western portion of the White Mountains National Recreation Area, according to the Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service. The closure includes trails, public-use cabins, trail shelters and the Wickersham Dome Trailhead at Mile 28 of the Elliott Highway.
The fire has the potential to reach the Summit Trail within the next 24 hours and could soon threaten public use cabins, fire officials said.
Near Fairbanks, two lightning-caused fires were burning near each other northwest of the Salcha River, according to the Alaska Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The fires, estimated Wednesday at 40 and 25 acres, were "expected to grow closer together" as burning continues, officials said.
The fires prompted Fairbanks North Star Borough officials on Wednesday night to issue a "ready" evacuation order for the Salcha River corridor starting at the community of Salcha along the Richardson Highway. Under 20 people live in the area though there are more than 250 structures, according to a borough map.
Earlier in the week, borough officials issued similar orders — recommending residents monitor emergency information and be prepared — for areas of Chena Hot Springs Road. Crews are working to build a perimeter around a small fire two miles north of Mile 24 of the road.
Another, larger fire north of the Yukon River and directly across from Rampart was estimated at 200 acres "and growing fast" on Wednesday night when smokejumpers arrived, according to Bureau of Land Management fire service officials.
The smokejumpers opted against taking direct action due to the fire's intensity and late time of day, officials said in a release. "Instead, they are working closely with the community to evaluate what additional resources may be needed in the coming days to protect Rampart and several Alaska Native allotments on both sides of the river."
Other new wildfires include two lightning-caused blazes about 25 miles northwest of Huslia near a few cabins, BLM fire officials said.
Tuesday was the most active lightning day across the state this season and since 2021, with more than 15,700 strikes, according to the Alsaka Interagency Coordination Center.
As of Thursday morning, 24 new fires were burning around the state and more than 80 considered active, according to the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center.
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