Tundra fire at Quinhagak

“Thanks to the McGrath Initial Attack team from the Alaska Department of Forestry Protection for responding to yesterday’s fire here at Quinhagak,” writes Rick Knecht of the Quinhagak Archaeological Project. “This photo shows Jorge Brady at work.” photo (also small photo on cover) by Rick Knecht

A fire near the village of Quinhagak was reported on June 26, 2024. The Mission Road Fire started in the Quinhagak landfill and rapidly spread to the tundra. The wind-driven fire threatened the Quinhagak Nunallret Archeology site, Native allotments and village infrastructure. Community members battled the fire with available hoses and pumps. Air Attack and a retardant tanker were requested along with four initial attack firefighters that responded from McGrath on an airplane. Winds of 30 mph continued to spread the fire to an estimated 100 acres burning in tundra. Tanker-542 made multiple drops with its one load of retardant, slowing the fire’s progression. The four IA firefighters established a line around the perimeter of the fire with the help of the community and remained on the fire overnight.

Satellite mapping estimates the size to be 156 acres. On June 27th, firefighters walked the perimeter of the fire and found no areas of heat or visible smoke in the burned area within 50-feet of the fire’s edge. The fire was controlled and contained. Light precipitation was reported with steady southerly winds and gusts to 30 mph. The fire was monitored throughout the day. Firefighters will make a final grid Thursday and plan to demobilize if the fire remains inactive.