Skagway, Alaska Fire Department

Skagway, Alaska Fire Department Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Skagway, Alaska Fire Department, Fire station, 308 17th Avenue, Skagway, AK.
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***Safety Notice: Aging Lithium-Ion Backup Batteries Are a Growing Risk***Check Your Backup Batteries. Many homes and s...
08/18/2026

***Safety Notice: Aging Lithium-Ion Backup Batteries Are a Growing Risk***

Check Your Backup Batteries. Many homes and small businesses now rely on lithium-ion battery packs to keep internet gateways, Optimal Network Terminals (fiber terminals), and phone equipment running during a power outage. Like all lithium-ion batteries, these packs carry a fire risk if they are damaged, aged, or left unchecked.

Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. A pack that once charged and protected reliably can develop internal faults as it ages — faults that don't always show obvious warning signs until it's too late. Aging, neglected packs left in continuous trickle-charge service are one of the more common paths to battery failure.

Guidance for Battery Packs
If your equipment uses a battery pack (commonly used as ISP/telecom backup power, including battery backup kits):
• Typical service life is about 1 year. These packs are not intended to last indefinitely — plan to replace on this schedule even if the pack still appears to be working.
• Inspect every 3 months for signs of damage, leakage, or swelling. Remove and safely dispose of any battery showing these signs immediately.
• Check charge level every 6 months at minimum.

General Warning Signs — Any Lithium-Ion Battery Stop using and safely isolate any battery that shows:
• Swelling, bulging, or a warped case
• An unusual smell (sweet, chemical, or "off")
• Excessive heat during charging or use
• Leaking or discoloration
• Hissing or crackling sounds

***BURN BAN LIFTED*** FIRE DANGER REDUCED Open burning is now permitted.Standard fire safety precautions still apply. Ca...
08/18/2026

***BURN BAN LIFTED*** FIRE DANGER REDUCED

Open burning is now permitted.
Standard fire safety precautions still apply.

Campfires, bonfires, and debris burning are permitted, but must be attended at all times.

Keep water or a fire extinguisher on hand and clear a safe area around any fire.

Fully extinguish all fires before leaving the site.

Conditions can change quickly – check current fire danger status before burning.

Report any unattended or out-of-control fires immediately by calling 911.

Department & Fire Weather UpdateIt's been a busy stretch for our crews — yesterday, the department responded to two sepa...
08/17/2026

Department & Fire Weather Update

It's been a busy stretch for our crews — yesterday, the department responded to two separate fire calls. In both cases, our firefighters were able to stop the fire's spread, limiting the damage to a room-and-contents loss.

We're also continuing to closely monitor the Fire Weather Index (FWI) and can report that levels have dropped back below EXTREME as of today, 08/17/2026. Projections show levels holding below HIGH through the next few days. We'll post another update once levels have stayed below HIGH for two consecutive days.

Thank you for staying fire-aware, and it's our pleasure to serve and protect our community!

*Statement from the Office of the Fire Chief Emily Rauscher*On August 16, 2026, at 1639, the Skagway Fire Department was...
08/17/2026

*Statement from the Office of the Fire Chief Emily Rauscher*

On August 16, 2026, at 1639, the Skagway Fire Department was dispatched to the Klondike Highway for a report of flames and smoke at the Alaska Excursions Offices.

Upon arrival, nothing was showing from the outside. Upon entry, crews were met with heavy smoke conditions and performed a search, locating the source of the fire. Crews initiated a fire attack, and the fire was extinguished using approximately 100 gallons of water.

Due to the early notification and aggressive fire attack, property damage was kept to room and contents.

Although investigation is ongoing, we were able to identify the point of origin as an electrical appliance.

Statement from the Office of the Fire Chief Emily Rauscher*******On August 16, 2026, at 0547, the Skagway Fire Departmen...
08/16/2026

Statement from the Office of the Fire Chief Emily Rauscher

*******

On August 16, 2026, at 0547, the Skagway Fire Department was dispatched to 204 4th Avenue for an automatic fire alarm at the Skagway Brewing Company.

While en route, Engine 4 was notified that a civilian had reported visible smoke from the rear of the building.

Upon arrival, nothing was showing from the outside. Even so, crews were able to locate a fire on the interior and initiate a quick fire attack. Due to early notification and rapid fire attack, property damage was kept to room and contents.

While investigation is still ongoing, after reviewing video surveillance, we are able to confirm point of origin and rule out an intentionally set fire.

****TOTAL BURN BAN IN EFFECT*** FIRE DANGER EXTREMENO open burning is allowed anywhere within Municipality boundaries. ...
08/13/2026

****TOTAL BURN BAN IN EFFECT*** FIRE DANGER EXTREME

NO open burning is allowed anywhere within Municipality boundaries.

This includes:
- Campfires, bonfires, and debris burning
- Portable outdoor fireplaces and fire pits (wood-burning or propane)
- Fireworks or any open-flame devices capable of igniting dry vegetation

Charcoal and propane grills on private property are permitted only with extreme caution and constant attendance.

Any sightings of smoke or open fires should be reported immediately by calling 911.

The attached notice has more detail, and current fire danger status. We will be monitoring daily as to when the burn ban can be lifted.

Fire Weather Advisory UpdateSkagway area is under a Heat Advisory; however, Fire Weather Index levels remain below the b...
08/12/2026

Fire Weather Advisory Update

Skagway area is under a Heat Advisory; however, Fire Weather Index levels remain below the burn suspension threshold. Conditions are being monitored via the Alaska Fire and Fuels website, with updates to follow if levels reach High or Extreme.

When on the trails, burn only in established metal fire rings and fully extinguish fires before leaving.

STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF EMILY RAUSCHER: Wildland Fire Reported Near Sturgill’s LandingSkagway Fire D...
08/10/2026

STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF EMILY RAUSCHER:

Wildland Fire Reported Near Sturgill’s Landing

Skagway Fire Department responded to a report of a wildland fire on United States Forrest Service (USFS) property near the Sturgill's Landing area. The incident was reported to Tongass Dispatch, and crews were on scene quickly. Upon arrival, crews found visible flames and worked efficiently to gain control of the fire and fully extinguish it.

The origin of the fire was determined to be from an improperly extinguished campfire ring. Skagway has designated metal fire rings for this purpose, and this campfire was built outside of those established rings. Although the campfire had a stone ring, it was built on flammable material that was not properly extinguished.

This area is owned by the USFS and is outside the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Skagway. Even so, Skagway Fire deployed a team for initial scene size-up and fire attack without hesitation. Incident Command worked closely with TEMSCO Helicopters to get visuals of the fire from the air and kept them on standby, ready to provide initial air attack using their Bambi bucket for suppression if needed.

This kind of outcome reflects the close coordination between our crews and the partner agencies who supported them. We would like to thank TEMSCO Helicopters for providing early visual assessment of the fire and remaining on standby for aerial fire attack with their Bambi bucket. We would also like to thank the Skagway Police Department for notifying us early and in helping with logistical support in getting additional supplies to our wildland crews working the fire.

This fire was due to an improperly built ring. For burn bans, Skagway Fire tracks conditions through the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center's Alaska Fire & Fuels (AKFF) website (akff.mesowest.org), which reports daily readings from our local weather station (PAGY). The site calculates the Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System (CFFDRS) indices each day, including the Fire Weather Index (FWI), which represents overall fire intensity potential by combining spread potential (ISI) and fuel availability (BUI). Numbers for Skagway do not currently enact a burn ban.

Skagway Fire reminds citizens of the importance in practicing responsible campfire safety with an emphasis on proper extinguishment. I’m proud of how our crews and partner agencies came together to keep this fire from becoming much larger. Early detection and quick response prevented this fire from running uphill and becoming a more significant incident.

One of our highlights every year is when the Little Dippers Daycare kiddos come to visit us and see our station. This y...
08/05/2026

One of our highlights every year is when the Little Dippers Daycare kiddos come to visit us and see our station. This year, they were able to see our ladder truck in action. It's our hope to inspire our youth to become future firefighters.

🔥Important message regarding campfire rings!🔥
08/03/2026

🔥Important message regarding campfire rings!🔥

Address

308 17th Avenue
Skagway, AK
99840

Telephone

+19079832450

Website

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