Buffalo

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Buffalo Fire ignited on June 22, 2026. It is located in the Southeast Fairbanks Census Area of Alaska, specifically burning within the Donnelly Training Area west of the Delta River near Delta Junction.
Size and Containment: As of July 20, 2026, the fire is estimated at 767 acres and remains 0% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning in remote terrain. While previous rainfall had moderated its activity earlier in the season, the fire continues to smolder in dry fuels. Recent warm and dry conditions across the Alaskan interior threaten to increase fire behavior and its rate of spread.
Containment Efforts: Because the fire is located in a remote military training area, the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection are currently utilizing a monitoring strategy. Firefighters are observing the fire's progression to ensure it does not threaten critical infrastructure or step outside of its current footprint, rather than engaging in direct, full-suppression tactics.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place for the Buffalo Fire due to its remote location.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no evacuation warnings at this time.
Curfew: No curfews have been issued.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No evacuation shelters have been opened for this incident.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are currently no road closures, school closures, or infrastructure closures associated with the Buffalo Fire. The Alaska Highway and other local routes remain open, though motorists should remain alert for fire personnel and potential smoke in the Delta Junction area.

For more information on evacuations and road closures, visit:

• Alaska Wildland Fire Information (AK Fire Info)
• Alaska Department of Transportation 511 (Road Conditions)
• Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Buffalo Fire.
Structures Impacted: No structures, homes, or critical infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed. The fire remains isolated within the Donnelly Training Area.
School and Business Closures: No schools or businesses have been impacted or closed.
Notable Impacts: Due to the remote nature of the fire, direct community impacts are currently minimal.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There are no power outages reported in connection with this fire.
Water Safety: No water safety advisories have been issued.
Burn Bans: Residents in the interior of Alaska should adhere to local burn bans and fire restrictions, as the region is experiencing highly volatile fire weather and dry fuels.
Air Quality: Smoke from the Buffalo Fire, combined with smoke from other active wildfires in the interior, may cause localized drops in air quality. Vulnerable individuals, especially those with respiratory conditions, are advised to monitor local air quality indexes and limit outdoor activities if smoke settles into the area.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire is expected to remain at 0% containment in the near term as agencies continue a "monitor and evaluate" approach. Fire managers will intervene only if the fire threatens surrounding values at risk or moves out of the training area.
Weather and Wind Warnings: A Red Flag Warning has been in effect for the interior of Alaska over the last 72 hours. The area is experiencing high temperatures, very low relative humidity, and over 4,000 recent lightning strikes across the state. These conditions, combined with critically dry fuels, mean that fire activity could increase rapidly over the coming days.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The exact cause of the Buffalo Fire remains under investigation, though the region has experienced significant lightning activity, which is a primary driver of ignitions in the Alaskan interior.
Weather and Climate: Extreme fire weather is playing a major role in the ongoing situation. The Alaskan interior is currently facing a period of intense heat, dry conditions, and severe lightning storms. These climate-driven factors have dried out vegetation, making the landscape highly susceptible to new fire starts and allowing existing fires like the Buffalo Fire to persist for weeks.

For more information, visit:

• Alaska Interagency Coordination Center
• Alaska Wildland Fire Information Hub
• Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection