BLM Alaska Fire Service

06/01/2026

: The is ramping up. As we head into June, the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center’s Predictive Services is forecasting warmer temps, more lightning, and continued human‑caused fires.

As fire danger increases, please stay fire‑aware and help keep Alaska safe by preventing avoidable ignitions.

Outlook highlights:
• Fire activity is increasing — Alaska is now mostly snow free, and small human-caused fires have been on the rise through May. Of the 92 fires so far this year, 87 were human-caused.
• Lightning season is starting — Three lightning-caused fires have already occurred, and lightning activity will increase through June, potentially leading to more natural ignitions.
• Snowmelt was slightly delayed — Cooler April and May temps pushed snow free dates later than normal, especially in the Interior.
• May was wetter than usual — Many areas saw above-normal precipitation, reducing drought conditions across parts of the state.
• June temperatures likely warmer — Forecasts show higher chances of above normal temperatures for most of Alaska this month. Precipitation is less certain.
• Overall summer outlook — Fire potential is expected to be near normal this summer. Even with El Niño developing, strong impacts aren’t likely until late in the season.
• Lightning danger will grow — As fuels warm and dry, deeper duff layers will become more burnable by mid-to-late June. Lightning-caused fires may increase if rainfall doesn’t arrive on time.

Read the entire from the National Interagency Fire Center athttps://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/predictive/outlooks/monthly_seasonal_outlook.pdf
Image is map of Alaska showing the monthly temperature for June with above normal temps predicted for Interior and Southeastern Alaska.

05/29/2026

Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection - DFFP is making progress on the ( #104). The fire is holding at 4.2 acres with 60% containment. No overnight growth was observed. Crews are on scene today continuing mop-up and interior work to extinguish remaining heat.

Photo of Yentna Fire burning on Thursday, May 28th. Photo taken from helicopter/DFFP. May 29, 2026 Mat-Su- The 14-person Mat-Su Type 2 Fire Crew and 3-person Helitack crew worked late into the nigh…

05/28/2026

🔍Origin. Cause. Evidence. From test burn plots to shielding and grass stem patterns, interagency students spent May 11–15 honing core wildfire investigation skills during training at U.S. Wildland Fire Service training facilities on Fort Wainwright, then testing them on intentionally burned plots at Creamer’s Field.

By the end of the week, 17 students successfully completed the federally sponsored interagency wildfire investigator course at Fort Wainwright, gaining the skills needed to help determine the origin and cause of future wildfires across Alaska and beyond.

Read Alaska Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection - DFFP post for lessons learned and photos.

05/27/2026

Remember the 5 Ps of what to pack for an evacuation:
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 People
💊 Prescriptions
📄 Papers
👔 Personal Needs
💍 Priceless Items
Learn more about wildfire preparedness and evacuation planning (aka Ready, Set, Go) on the Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection - DFFP website at https://forestry.alaska.gov/fire/rsg

🎒 Be ready before an evacuation order is issued. An evacuation go bag can help you leave quickly and safely when every minute counts.

Use the 5 P’s of Evacuation to help pack your bag:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 People
💊 Prescriptions
📄 Papers
👔 Personal Needs
💍 Priceless Items

Prepare now so you’re ready to go when it matters most. Learn more about wildfire preparedness and evacuation planning at https://forestry.alaska.gov/fire/rsg

05/24/2026

✨ It's Memorial Day weekend! It's a time to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

It's also the unofficial first day of summer. As you gather with loved ones and fire up the grill, please celebrate responsibly. 🔥🌭

Your BBQ can spark a wildfire—stay fire safe:
✅Grill at least 15 feet away from your home and trees
✅Keep your grill clean to prevent grease fires
✅Never leave your grill unattended
✅Dispose of coals in a fireproof metal bucket

Together, let’s honor their sacrifice and protect what they fought for. ❤️
| | Smokey Bear

05/23/2026

Tis that time of the season. But and get an Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection - DFFP burn permit with invaluable instructions on safe burning practices. Be safe during the !

With warmer weather and spring cleanup underway, many Alaskans are starting to think about burning debris or enjoying a campfire. 🔥

If you are wondering whether your area is under a burn suspension, Alaska has an interactive map where you can search by address or scroll around the state to see current suspension areas. 🗺

Burn suspensions may be put in place during dry and windy weather, periods of high fire danger, or when firefighting resources are limited.

You can explore the burn suspension map here:
dnr.alaska.gov/burn/fireareas

Need a burn permit or looking for a nearby woody debris disposal site?
Visit: forestry.alaska.gov/burn

If you are burning debris, remember to keep your burn permit with you.
Campfires used for cooking or warming do not require a burn permit.

Please be mindful of campfires this Memorial Day weekend and burn responsibly to help keep Alaska’s public lands and communities safe. 🏘🌲

05/22/2026

As people head to the great outdoors for the holiday weekend, here's a tip on how to extinguish your campfire so it doesn't start a wildfire:
💧Step 1: Drown
🔄Step 2: Stir
✋Step 3: Feel.
🔄Repeat if still warm.
Always make sure your campfire is ☠️ before leaving.
Have a safe Memorial Day Weekend!
BLM graphic.

05/22/2026

Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection - DFFP is making progress on the ( #079).

DFFP White Mountain T2IA Crew and cooperating agency, Tanana Chiefs Crew, extinguished all of the spots showing heat across the Gerstle River from the ( #079) on Wednesday. DFFP Unmanned Aerial Systems Module (UAS MOD) was able to guide the ground forces to each location using their infrared camera.

To read the complete update, follow this link to AKFireInfo: https://akfireinfo.com/2026/05/21/progress-on-sawmill-creek-fire/



PHOTO: This is a panoramic aerial of the Sawmill Creek Fire ( #079) on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. UAS MOD/DFFP

05/21/2026

All that brown got you down? Is the stubborn cold dampening your spring vibes?

But here’s the thing: fire season doesn’t wait for perfect spring conditions. Alaska has already been in fire season for more than a month because dry vegetation and human activity have already led to multiple wildfire starts.

Fire season in Alaska is unpredictable. A cool, wet week can turn into dry, sunny conditions and lightning almost overnight. That’s why being prepared is always the smart move no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.

The booklet has practical tips for protecting your home or cabin:
https://forestry.alaska.gov/Assets/pdfs/home/firewise09.pdf

Hardening your home and planning for your family’s safety is a year‑round effort. Take steps toward today. Learn more at https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/fire-prevention-education-mitigation/wildfire-mitigation/home

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Graphic showing how to Firewise homes by clearing burnable items from 30 feet of structures and other useful tips on how to make your property more resilient to wildfires.

05/21/2026

DFFP crews continue to improve their lines Wednesday around the Sawmill Creek Fire ( #079) on the northern end of the Delta Agricultural Project near the end of Sawmill Creek Road, east of Delta Junction.

Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP) crews continue to improve their lines Wednesday around the Sawmill Creek Fire ( #079) on the northern end of the Delta Agricul…