Alaska Fire Update

The state of Alaska was moved to PL-4 (Preparedness Level 4) yesterday due to the current statewide fire situation. For detailed info on fire maps, lightening strikes, fire weather and outlook reports we often refer to the AICC (Alaska Interagency Coordination Center) Website.


These are Alaska fire maps from the AICC website as of June 18, 2015.
Left: the Parks Highway corridor; Right: a statewide map.


The Sockeye Fire in Willow has been the most devastating to the dog mushing community thus far. AICC lists 422 personnel fighting the 7,000+ acre fire as of June 17th. There are quite a few other dangerous fires in the state; including the Kenai Peninsula/Card Street fire near fellow Iditarod musher, Mitch Seavey's home.

There are many personal stories about fires in and around Alaska. Many of us want to help. Remember that many people who were displaced by fires have not been allowed back on their property yet - it is too dangerous. Their true state of affairs is not entirely known. There are ways to help now - here is an article by the Alaska Dispatch News: 'How to Help'. I am sure there will be many more ways to help in the near future when the actual process of rebuilding lives can begin. Until that time many people are still hoping for the best as firefighters continue to amaze the affected communities.