Alaska Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Alaska - April 22, 2026

Overview

Alaska is currently transitioning into its 2026 wildland fire season following one of the coldest winters the state has seen in years. While much of the interior remains covered in snow, spring breakup is officially underway. Along the southern coastline, melting snow is exposing dry, dead vegetation, leading to potentially risky situations for rapid fire spread. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating a moderate level of national readiness, and overall fire potential remains near normal for this time of year.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Currently, wildland fire activity in Alaska is minimal, with zero uncontained large fires reported across the state. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection (DFFP) has officially marked the start of the fire season, and initial attack activity remains light. Over the last 72 hours, firefighters have responded to a few small, human-caused fires, often stemming from structure or vehicle fires spreading into the surrounding wildland.

Key Fires:

• Trevor Fire: Reported late Sunday, April 19, on the Kenai Peninsula. This 0.1-acre fire started when an RV fire spread into the surrounding wildland. It is burning primarily in spruce fuels and is currently contained, controlled, and in monitor status.
• Rochon Fire: Reported on April 19 near MP112 of the Sterling Highway. This 0.1-acre fire was caused by a tree that was cut with a chainsaw and fell into an active powerline. It is contained, controlled, and in monitor status.
• Second Star Fire: Located on Kachemak Drive near Homer, this 0.1-acre grass fire ignited on April 15 when a 20-foot boat fire spread to nearby dry ground vegetation, threatening nearby structures. It was officially called out on April 18 after DFFP patrols confirmed no remaining heat or smoke.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Agencies are actively preparing for spring land management projects. The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, in partnership with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, is planning a 375-acre prescribed burn in the Matanuska Valley Moose Range (Little Granite Creek drainage near Sutton-Alpine) beginning in May 2026 to rejuvenate early-succession plant species and improve moose habitat. Multiple prescribed burns are also planned at the Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge near Fairbanks.
Additionally, burn permits are now required statewide (effective April 1 through August 31) for anything larger than a 3-foot by 2-foot cooking or warming fire.

Air Quality: Air quality remains generally good across the state. Smoke may become visible in areas like Sutton and Chickaloon during the upcoming May prescribed burns, and air quality will be monitored closely at that time.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Alaska recently experienced its fourth-coldest March on record, leaving heavy snowpack and frozen ground in many central and northern areas. Spring weather is currently cool and wet in several regions.
Forecasted Weather: Warmer-than-normal conditions are in the forecast. As the sun returns, dead and down vegetation will dry quickly, making the potential for wildland fires very likely. These fuels can dry out in just a few hours of sunshine and become highly flammable.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to clear dead vegetation within 25 feet of any burn area and 90 feet of landfill perimeters to prevent escaped fires. With spring breakup approaching, the Fairbanks-Delta Area Forestry office is urging the public to avoid driving on select Tanana Valley State Forest roads through May 15 to prevent damage to muddy forestry roads.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are utilizing this time to focus on training and equipment readiness. The 2026 Alaska Intermediate Wildland Firefighter Academy is currently underway at Birchwood Camp in Chugiak, where cadets are training in challenging, snowy conditions to build the next generation of wildland fire leadership.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Alaska Interagency Coordination Center: akfireinfo.com

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.