Alaska Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Alaska - April 23, 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. The National Preparedness Level is currently at 2, indicating a moderate level of national readiness. Fire potential remains near normal for this time of year, but conditions are changing rapidly. Along the southern coastline, melting snow is exposing dry, dead vegetation that can become highly flammable with just a few hours of sunshine.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Currently, wildland fire activity in Alaska is minimal, with zero uncontained large fires reported across the state. However, the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection (DFFP) has officially marked the start of the fire season, and initial attack activity has begun. Over the last 72 hours, crews have monitored and responded to several small, human-caused fires, many of which were the result of structure or vehicle fires spreading into the surrounding wildland.

Key Fires:
There are currently no significant large wildfires active in Alaska. However, firefighters have actively managed and monitored several initial attack fires over the last 72 hours:

• Trevor Fire: Located on the Kenai Peninsula, this 0.1-acre fire ignited late on April 19 when an RV fire spread into the surrounding wildland. It burned primarily in spruce fuels. The fire was safely evacuated, quickly contained, controlled, and placed in monitor status.
• Rochon Fire: A 0.1-acre fire near MP 112 of the Sterling Highway, caused by a tree falling into an active powerline. It has been contained, controlled, and remains in monitor status.
• Sushana Fire: Located in the Wasilla area, this unattended brush fire ignited from an earlier vehicle fire and burned in a debris pile consisting of mixed hardwood slash. It remains in monitor status to ensure it does not rekindle.
• Second Star Fire: A 0.1-acre grass fire on Kachemak Drive that started from a fully involved boat fire. It was successfully controlled and recently called out after being continuously monitored for heat and 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 for the Little Granite Creek drainage in the Matanuska Valley Moose Range 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. Statewide burn permits are now required for most open burning through August 31.
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 advisories will be posted by the Department of Environmental Conservation as necessary.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Below-normal temperatures persist across much of the state. A Winter Storm Warning was issued earlier this week (April 21) for areas along the Yukon Delta Coast and Yukon River, bringing up to 12 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 45 mph, causing significantly reduced visibility and hazardous travel conditions.
Forecasted Weather: There are currently no Red Flag Warnings or Fire Weather Watches in effect. Alaska's spring weather remains cool and wet in many regions, but conditions will change as the sun returns. Dead and down vegetation will dry quickly, making the potential for wildland fires very likely in snow-free areas.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to always check for local restrictions before burning, ensure fires are completely extinguished, and clear dead vegetation within 25 feet of any burn area. If cleaning up property this spring, the public is encouraged to use woody debris disposal sites instead of burning to reduce the risk of escaped fires.
Resource Allocation: With zero large active fires, 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 a record number of cadets are training in challenging, snowy conditions to build the next generation of wildland fire leadership for the state.

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
Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection Burn Permits: forestry.alaska.gov/burn

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.