Hot and dry weather conditions have triggered two new Galena Zone wildfires, prompting swift response efforts across western Alaska. On Sunday morning, authorities detected the Dog Fire (#402) approximately eight miles northeast of Nome.
An aircraft carrying some smokejumpers scouted the area but failed to locate any visible flames. After circling the region, the team returned to Nome to regroup. They are awaiting six more smoke jumpers demobilized Sunday from the Duck Fire (#379).
Fire officials confirmed that the Duck Fire is fully contained and controlled. It burned northwest of the Imuruk Basin, roughly 26 miles east of Teller. Now that the fire poses no further threat, all 12 smokejumpers based in Nome will fly to Galena and prepare for their next wildfire assignment.
In a separate incident, fire crews reported the Sikik Fire (#404) on Sunday morning. This fire is three miles west of Noatak River at mile marker 266 deep in the Noatak National Preserve.
Since the blaze burned in a limited protection zone, officials decided to monitor it rather than deploy direct suppression resources. Meanwhile, 12 smokejumpers continue to battle the Shiliak Fire (#374) northeast of Kotzebue.
Crews have secured 40% containment and are focusing on mop-up efforts. Firefighters placed pumps and hoses along the perimeter, protecting nearby Alaska Native allotments and other valuable resources using a containment and control strategy.
On Saturday alone, the Galena Zone recorded 320 lightning strikes. More strikes followed Sunday, further raising concerns about fire starts. Fire managers remain alert with temperatures soaring into the 80s and no relief from the dry conditions.
The continued hot, dry spell is expected to elevate fire danger and may ignite more Galena Zone wildfires in the coming days. Officials urge residents and visitors to remain cautious and stay informed as conditions evolve.
