Nutmeg

Here is a detailed situation report on the Nutmeg Fire in Alaska.

Nutmeg Fire Report - July 24, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Nutmeg Fire was discovered on Friday, July 10, 2026. It is located approximately 5.5 miles northwest of Wiseman, south of Wiseman Creek and Nolan Road, in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area of Alaska.
Size and Containment: As of the latest tracking data on July 24, 2026, the fire has grown to approximately 767 acres and is 0% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning in boreal forest vegetation, including black spruce, tundra, and deep duff layers. Initially, terrain-driven easterly winds pushed the fire north toward Wiseman Creek, where it consumed vegetation near a marshy natural barrier. Over the last 72 hours, fire behavior has been minimal and limited to isolated smoldering due to persistent drizzle and cool temperatures in the region.
Containment Efforts: The Nutmeg Fire is burning in an area designated as a "Limited Management Option." This means the fire is being allowed to play its natural ecological role to renew vegetation and maintain healthy ecosystems. After initial monitoring and structure protection assessments by smokejumpers, the fire has transitioned to an unstaffed monitor status. Fire managers are currently tracking the perimeter using satellite imagery and aerial assets.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place for the Nutmeg Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no evacuation warnings in effect.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No evacuation shelters have been opened, as there are no communities currently threatened by the fire.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are no road, school, or infrastructure closures associated with the Nutmeg Fire. Nolan Road remains open, but travelers in the area should remain cautious of any fire personnel or monitoring equipment.

For more information, visit:

• Alaska Wildland Fire Information
• Alaska Interagency Coordination Center (AICC)
• National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There are no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Nutmeg Fire.
Structures Impacted: No structures have been damaged or destroyed. Early in the incident, smokejumpers conducted a structure assessment on a nearby cabin to evaluate values at risk, but the fire has not impacted any buildings.
School and Business Closures: There are no school or business closures.
Notable Impacts: Fire managers have closely monitored the fire's proximity to the town of Wiseman, a nearby mine, local cabins, and archaeological sites. Fortunately, the fire has not impacted any of these locations, aided by a marshy area south of the creek that created a natural barrier.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There are no power outages reported in connection with this fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: While there are no specific burn bans for the immediate Wiseman area due to this fire, residents should always check local Alaska Division of Forestry regulations before conducting any outdoor burning.
Air Quality: Smoke production has been minimal over the last 72 hours due to rain. However, terrain-driven winds could push residual smoldering smoke into surrounding areas. Residents with respiratory issues should monitor local air quality updates.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Because the fire is managed under a Limited Management Option, crews are not actively seeking full suppression (hence the 0% containment). The fire will continue to be monitored from the air. Firefighters will only intervene if the fire changes direction and threatens Wiseman, nearby mines, or other identified values at risk.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Over the past 72 hours, Alaska has experienced widespread rainfall and cooler temperatures across the northern and interior regions, significantly decreasing the statewide fire risk. Forecasts indicate continued cool, wet conditions with temperatures in the 50s and 60s, which is expected to keep fire behavior minimal and restrict any significant additional growth.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The Nutmeg Fire was caused by a lightning strike.
Weather and Climate: Alaska's fire season is heavily driven by long daylight hours and frequent lightning strikes during the summer solstice. The region features a deep duff layer of peat and tundra that can smolder underground for extended periods. While the state frequently sees high-intensity fire seasons, recent widespread precipitation and cooler temperatures over the last few days have heavily moderated the Nutmeg Fire's activity and allowed agencies to transition the fire to an unstaffed status.

For more information, visit:

• Alaska Wildland Fire Information
• Alaska Interagency Coordination Center (AICC)
• National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)