by Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection

Southern Alaska fire activity remains low.
Southern Alaska begins to see slightly warmer weather with partly cloudy skies as temperatures gradually rise. Fire activity remains low, with only one new fire reported. As fire danger continues to moderate, burn permit suspensions have been lifted statewide. This allows residents to conduct small debris burns, utilize burn barrels, and complete small lawn burns with a valid permit. More information about the DOF Burn Permit program and current suspensions can be found at DOF Burn Permit Program.
This report covers fires occurring in the Division of Alaska Forestry & Fire Protection’s coastal protection area, generally south of the Alaska Range. This includes the DOF protection areas of Southwest, Anchorage Mat-Su, Kenai-Kodiak, and Copper River.
East Marydale (#361) – ½ mile north of Soldotna. Local Forestry and Central Emergency Services from Kenai Peninsula Borough responded to a report of a smoke smell near a local business. Upon arrival, fire crews found a small three-foot-by-three-foot area of vegetation the had been burned close to the road. Responding fire crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire before returning back to their fire stations for the evening.
Montana Creek Fire (#312)– 16 miles south of Talkeetna, is now 100% contained. The Type 3 Incident Command Team from Wyoming has successfully transferred command to the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Gannett Glacier Fire Crew, who took over the final stages of the operation.
The focus of the Gannett Glacier Fire Crew is now in the last phase of mop up operations. This typically involves gridding, with bare hands, the entire fire area to identify and extinguish any remaining areas of heat. This tactic is essential to ensure the fire is secure and poses no threat to the fire perimeter while ensuring public safety near the fire area.
The dedicated efforts of the fire crews and favorable weather have contributed to the progress made. We appreciate the continued support and cooperation from the community as we work towards full containment.
This was issued on July 11th, 2024.