Kopshesut

Kopshesut Fire Report - June 21, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Kopshesut Fire ignited around 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Ambler village landfill in Northwest Arctic County, Alaska.
Size and Containment: Based on data from the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 1,444 acres and is currently 70% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Driven initially by wind gusts up to 30 mph, the fire doubled in size within hours of ignition. It spread southeast from the landfill toward the Kobuk River, burning through black spruce, mixed hardwoods, and tundra with tall grass. The fire is currently mostly creeping and smoldering, and its footprint has remained largely unchanged for several days.
Containment Efforts: The response has been managed by the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, alongside smokejumpers, the Midnight Sun Hotshots, and the North Star Fire Crew. Aerial support, including water scoopers and helicopters, played a crucial role in halting the fire's spread. Firefighters have successfully connected control lines down to the Kobuk River and are currently focused on mopping up interior hot spots.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: None. There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place for Ambler or surrounding areas. The estimated number of people impacted by evacuations is 0.
Evacuation Warnings: None currently in place.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Not applicable, as no evacuations have been ordered.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• None. There are no reported road or infrastructure closures associated with this fire, as it is located in a remote area off the road network, approximately one mile southwest of Ambler.

For more information, visit:

• Alaska Wildland Fire Information (AKFireInfo)
• Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection
• Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation - Wildfire Smoke Advisories

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: No injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Structures Impacted: The fast-moving fire burned a nearby Native allotment shortly after ignition, but no other structures or homes in the village of Ambler have been reported damaged or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: No school or business closures have been reported.
Notable Impacts: The fire reached the edge of the Kobuk River, burning approximately one mile from the community of Ambler, but direct community impacts have been successfully mitigated by firefighting efforts.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with the Kopshesut Fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Due to elevated fire risk and changing weather conditions across the state, the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection has suspended burn permits in several fire prevention areas. Residents are urged to follow all local fire restrictions.
Air Quality: Because the fire started at a landfill, officials have expressed considerable concern regarding toxic smoke from burning debris. Both wildfire smoke and burning trash contain fine particles that can irritate the eyes and lungs, posing a significant risk to Elders, young children, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions. While smoke has not significantly drifted into Ambler, residents are advised to stay alert to changing wind conditions.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Fire activity is winding down thanks to strong firefighting efforts and cooler weather. With the perimeter secured and containment reaching 70%, crews are actively mopping up remaining hot spots. Firefighters plan to demobilize in the coming days as the situation continues to stabilize.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Cloudy skies and isolated showers have aided containment efforts. However, officials note that as warmer, drier weather periodically returns, there is a risk of afternoon flare-ups as the fire burns through pockets of unburned vegetation inside the established perimeter.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The fire is human-caused, having ignited in the Ambler village landfill.
Weather and Climate: Extremely dry vegetation and initial wind gusts of up to 30 mph created a brief window of opportunity for the fire to spread rapidly upon ignition. Recent cooler weather, combined with increased cloud cover and higher humidity, has played a significant role in calming fire activity and allowing crews to safely increase containment.

For more information, visit:

• Alaska Wildland Fire Information (AKFireInfo)
• Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection
• Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation - Wildfire Smoke Advisories