News Release

New Fire Start (#416) in Yukon-Charley Rivers

News Release Date: August 6, 2021

Contact: Kris Fister, [phone]

The Big Boulder Fire (#416) was detected within the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve on Thursday, August 5 via a satellite heat signature.  Alaska Fire Service air attack flew over the area later that morning and reported the fire to be 25 acres, 70% active, burning on a ridgetop in mixed spruce and hardwoods. The fire is burning approximately five miles northwest of the mouth of the Seventy Mile River, and approximately 16 miles northwest of Eagle. The fire is in a modified response area, with no values such as structures or private lands currently at risk. Alaska Fire Service will continue to monitor the fire and actions will be taken to protect the structures closest to the fire if necessary.  Cooler, wet weather is in the forecast, which is expected to moderate fire behavior.

Fire in Alaska’s boreal forest is an essential process that restores ecosystem health and helps maintain species diversity. The National Park Service works to balance the risks and benefits of wildland fire when making decisions on fire management. 

Additional park information is available by calling the Eagle Visitor Center at [phone] or the Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center at [phone].