Unalaska Fire Department

03/25/2026

There are free smoke detectors available from at Unalaska Fire Department Station 1. Please stop by and pick yours up. Remember to check your smoke detector and check the box it came in – they do have an expiration date.

03/03/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2026
6:45 PM UPDATE #1

Pyramid Valley Tundra Fire Contained

At approximately 6:45 PM, the Unalaska Fire Department crews have successfully brought the fire under control and fully contained.

Firefighters utilized anchor, flank, and pinch maneuvers to steer the fire into the pathway of least destruction. Through coordinated strategy, sustained suppression efforts, and community assistance, crews were able to stop the forward progression of the fire.

Personnel will remain on scene to conduct mop-up operations and monitor for any remaining hot spots to ensure full extinguishment and prevent rekindling.

We sincerely appreciate the patience and cooperation of the community during road closures and any delays caused by this incident. The support from our mutual aid partners, comunity organizations and local volunteers with off-road equipment was instrumental in achieving a successful outcome.

Further updates will be provided if necessary.

Contact:
Fire Chief Ben Knowles
[email protected]
Unalaska Fire Department

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2026
4:00 PM

Pyramid Valley Tundra Fire Response – Unalaska

At approximately 1:00 PM today, March 2, 2026, the Unalaska Fire Department was dispatched to a report of an outside vegetation fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a wind-driven vegetation fire moving in a south to southwest direction. At this time, no structures have been impacted. However, several structures in the surrounding area are being closely monitored as a precaution.

Fire crews continue working to contain the fire. Challenging topography and ongoing wind conditions have made control efforts and access to the fire area difficult.

The Fire Department has requested assistance from multiple mutual aid partners and community organizations. Support efforts include additional water trucks, personnel, and unmanned aircraft systems to assist with fire monitoring and suppression operations.

Residents are urged to stay tuned to Nixle for updates regarding this incident and any potential hazardous conditions. Community members are asked to remain patient and avoid the affected area to allow firefighters and volunteers to safely and effectively manage the situation.

This incident is anticipated to continue for the foreseeable future. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Contact:
Fire Chief Ben Knowles
[email protected]
Unalaska Fire Department

# # #

02/26/2026

And so it begins…

Heads up Aleutians ❄️ A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Atka, Unalaska, and Nikolski through the end of this week.
Expect significant winter weather conditions, including:
Snow Accumulations: 5 to 10 inches.
Wind Gusts: Up to 60 mph
Impacts: Visibility may be reduced to one mile at times, making travel very difficult. Heavier, wet snow expected for Atka.
Check the latest updates at www.weather.gov/anchorage

02/20/2026

🚨 Heads Up, Aleutians! Big Forecast Zone Changes Coming March 2026 🚨

The ✨ NEW ✨ Land and Marine Forecast Zone updates from National Weather Service Anchorage will go into effect March 2, 2026.

These changes are designed to improve clarity and forecast accuracy when watches, warnings, and advisories are issued across the Aleutian Chain.

🔹 What’s Changing?

Land Zone Name Updates:
• Alaska Peninsula ➡️ Aleutians East Borough (including Akutan)
• Eastern Aleutians ➡️ Unalaska and Nikolski
• Central Aleutians ➡️ Atka and Adak
• Western Aleutians ➡️ Shemya and Attu Islands
• Central Alaska Peninsula ➡️ Southern Alaska Peninsula
• Chignik ➡️ Chignik and Perryville

Marine Zone Update:
• 🌊 Unimak Pass will now have its own Marine Forecast Zone (PKZ768)
➡️ This will improve forecast accuracy and highlight the importance of this critical marine corridor.

For mariners, residents, and travelers in Unalaska and throughout the Aleutians, this means clearer communication and more precise alerts when weather impacts our communities.

📌 Learn more: weather.gov/afc
📱 Know before you go!

Please share to help spread the word.

02/15/2026

📣 Important Weather Alerting System Update 📣

The National Weather Service (NWS) has announced that on or around March 19, 2026, there will be an update to the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) used for Tsunami Warnings across the U.S., including Alaska.

You know… WEA’s — the thing that makes everyone’s phones make an awful noise all at once no matter where you are, alerting you to important weather emergencies… but also possibly giving you a small heart attack and instant anxiety. 😅

🔔 What’s Changing?
• Updated 360-character and 90-character alert messages will be implemented (Longer and clearer messaging capabilities)
• The new wording is designed to clearly explain the danger and give direct action steps.

📱 Updated Alert Example Language:
• “The National Weather Service has issued a TSUNAMI WARNING. A series of dangerous, life-threatening currents and waves are expected to flood low-lying coastal areas. MOVE TO HIGH GROUND OR INLAND NOW…”
• Short version: “NWS: TSUNAMI WARNING! Danger at the coast. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND OR INLAND NOW.”

🚨 Important Reminder
There is NO active tsunami threat at this time. This is simply an update to how emergency alerts will appear on your phone if one is ever issued.

This is a good opportunity to:
• Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on your phone
• Review your household/workplaceevacuation plan
• Know your nearest route to high ground
• Follow out friends Aleutian & Pribilof Islands LEPC for tips and tricks on prepardeness
• Sign-Up for local Nixle alerts by texting 99685 to 888777

ℹ️ For full details, view the official NOAA service change notice here:

https://www.weather.gov/media/notification/pdf_2026/scn26-14-Updated_TsunamiWarning_WEA_Message2026_aaa.pdf

For additional hazard information and updates, visit the Anchorage NOAA website: https://www.weather.gov/Anchorage

Stay safe and prepared, Unalaska. 🌊

US Dept of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service Anchorage, AK 6930 Sand Lake Road Anchorage, AK 99502 907-266-5105 Comments? Questions? Please Contact Us.

01/16/2026

Delayed Incident Notification – Search and Rescue Response

At approximately 12:30 PM this afternoon, the Unalaska Police Department was notified of four overdue local snowmachiners. The Police Department immediately began a background investigation to determine last known locations and circumstances, while coordinating with the Unalaska Fire Department to prepare for potential search and rescue operations.

Due to the nature of the incident and current weather conditions, multiple agencies and several good Samaritans were mobilized to assist with search and rescue efforts. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Unalaska Police Department, Department of Public Works, Department of Public Utilities, Ounalashaka Corporation, Alaska State Troopers, the State of Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, Travis Swangel, Quinton Parker, Trever Schliebe, and Nick Tutiakoff, for their assistance and coordination during this event.

All four snowmachines and riders were located. All individuals were found in good spirits and were evaluated by EMS on scene. One individual was treated and released for a shoulder injury.

This incident has now concluded.e

01/14/2026

UPDATE 01/13/2026: This incident has been cleared. The result of the smoke condition was electrical in nature originating from the server room. The store is back operational. Thank you for your patience.

Firefighters are currently operating at the report of a structure fire at 3 Bears. Please avoid the area.

01/11/2026

🥶❄️ Colder-than-normal temps are here, and that usually means your heating source is working overtime. A few friendly reminders to keep everyone safe and warm:

🔥 Oil Burners
• Keep an eye on your stack — changes in smoke or exhaust can be an early warning sign.
• Make sure your vents are clear of snow, ice, and wind-driven buildup.
• Watch for ice dams and exhaust buildup around vents.

☠️ Carbon Monoxide Safety
• Make sure you have working carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
• Test them. Replace batteries if needed.
• Yes… CO detectors are worth mentioning again. CO is orderless, colorless, and tasteless.

⚡ Space Heaters
• If you’re using one, brace yourself for the electric bill 😬
• Plug directly into the wall — no extension cords, no power strips… NO EXCEPTIONS
• Keep heaters clear of anything in front of them (clothes, furniture, boxes).

💨 That wind-driven cold air is expected to hang around through Thursday… neat.

Hope everyone’s staying nice and toasty out there… ❄️🔥
I just keep thinking about how they say the cold is good for the blueberries and salmonberries… Is it summer yet? 😅

01/07/2026

❄️ Cold Weather Maintenance Reminder ❄️

With colder-than-normal temperatures expected over the next few days, now is a great time for local business’ facility maintenance teams to take a proactive approach.

We strongly encourage you to go through and drain the low-point drains on your exterior dry fire sprinkler systems. Taking a few preventative steps now can help avoid frozen or cracked pipes, costly repairs, and unexpected system failures later.

Keeping your dry systems truly dry ensures they function properly when needed—and may save you an unnecessary visit from the Fire Department during a freeze-related emergency.

A little prevention now can go a long way. Stay safe, stay warm, and thank you for helping protect your facilities and our community. 🔥🚒

01/07/2026

🌨️🌬️ Yeah… we wish we were kidding.
The Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Unalaska from Thursday evening through Friday morning, and yes—that means more wind and slushy snow might be on the menu. 

📌 What’s being forecasted?
• Snow totals: ~3–5 inches possible (More likely for Central Aleutians, remember, we are “Eastern Aleutians” until March, then we are Unalaska! 🤣)
• Wind gusts: Up to 55 mph in Unalaska. 
• Blowing snow: Could reduce visibility and make travel… interesting. 

💨 So more wind, Yep. Sounds very Unalaska, doesn’t it? 😅

👉 Serious note though:
We’ve had several reports of things taking flight—from metal signs to random outdoor lawn ornaments—and unfortunately causing damage. Be a good neighbor and take a quick walk around your place to check for anything that might decide to go on an unexpected airborne adventure. If you find something you don’t want bring it to our friend Jamon at the landfill!

Stay safe and stay tuned for the next update!

01/05/2026

🌬️😅 Well… here we are 24 hours later and still hanging on.
We spoke with our friends at the US National Weather Service Anchorage Alaska, and winds are expected to continue through this evening and into early tomorrow morning.

The good news: peak gusts should start to ease in the next couple of hours—let’s hope they’re right.

We’re also tracking another northerly system later this week that’s projected to bring frigid temperatures and some snowfall, so stay tuned for that update.

We know, we know… try to contain your excitement. ❄️🌬️😄

01/05/2026

UPDATE 01/04/2026 23:39: This incident has completed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Firefighters are operating at a structure fire of a multi-family dwelling on Bayview Avenue. Please avoid the area.