News Release

Smokejumpers respond to 2 new fires near Ambler

Date: July 7, 2025
Contact: Geoff Liesik, 435-828-4050
Contact: Jon Nicholson, 907-412-1434

A detection flight Sunday night located five new lightning-caused wildfires in the Galena Zone. The zone recorded nearly 1,600 lightning strikes sunday following days of hot, dry conditions with little to no precipitation.

Four smokejumpers supported by water scooping planes contained the Jade Fire (#407). They are working today to put out any heat that could jeopardize the containment line. The fire is about 17 miles northwest of Ambler and 1.5 miles north of the Kobuk River at river mile 61. It is estimated at 4 acres.

The Karet Fire (#408) is being fought by eight smokejumpers using a contain/control strategy. They have saw line cut out around the fire and a hose around two-thirds of the fire. They will work today to finish the hose lay as they continue mop up.  The fire was estimated at 9 acres and is burning in tundra and spruce. It is south of the Kobuk River in the same area where the Jade Fire is burning.

The Hunt (#409), Kaliguricheark (#410), and Kobuk (#411) fires are burning close to one another in Kobuk Valley National Park about 7 miles north of the Kobuk River at river mile 37 and 1.5 miles east of the Kaliguricheark River at river mile 11. All three fires are burning in a tundra/spruce mix and will be monitored.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for portions of the Galena Zone today due to a forecast that calls for abundant lightning and continued hot, dry weather. A Red Flag Warning is issued when conditions are occurring or will occur that could lead to the development of large, dangerous fires.

More information on Alaska Wildland Fires is available at: Alaska Wildland Fire Information – akfireinfo.com