Quiet fire season concludes in Alaska

Despite a hot start, the Alaska wildfire season finished well below normal, according to new figures from the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center.

Slightly over half a million acres burned in wildfires this year, the center reported. In an average Alaska fire season, wildfires burn approximately twice that.

Warm and dry conditions allowed the summer fire season to begin rapidly, but heavy rainfall in June and July across the Interior slowed the progression of fires. Those two months are traditionally the busiest ones of the fire season.

Last year, an exceptional fire season burned 5.1 million acres across Alaska. It was the second-largest fire season since recordkeeping began, and by far the largest fire season in the country.

This year, Alaska trails California, which has seen approximately 640,000 acres burned.

Most wildfires this year in Alaska were caused by humans. Fifty-nine percent had human sources and 41 percent were started by lightning.

The fire season began Feb. 22 with a spark caused by military training near Delta Junction. Twenty-six fires were “holdover” fires that had sources dating to 2015.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Feb. 1

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Aaron Surma, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Juneau and the Juneau Suicide Prevention Council, gives a solo testimony to the Juneau Board of Education on Feb. 6, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
On top of a flat-funded BSA, Juneau Board of Education considers loss of local funding and grants

Principals and mental health advocate give feedback as the Juneau School District plans FY26 budget.

Cars arrive at Juneau International Airport on Thursday, July 11, 2024. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Juneau’s airport asking long-ago manager Dave Palmer to return temporarily amidst leadership changes

Palmer would return in April as longtime manager retires; Assembly removes two airport board members.

Pittman’s Pub, which has a bar tent located next to the Hooter chairlift and Fish Creek Lodge, will not open this season, its co-owners told Eaglecrest Ski Area’s board of directors Thursday. Eaglecrest Ski Area photo)
Pittman’s Pub owners say they won’t open at Eaglecrest this year due to cost, space difficulties

Couple says they would like to take over ski area’s restaurant, continue as a year-round operation.

The Alaska Senate unanimously approves a bill Friday rejecting a recommendation to adjust lawmakers’ salaries for inflation. (Official Alaska State Legislature livestream)
Alaska Senate unanimously rejects automatic salary hikes for top state officials

Commission recommendation for adjustments matching inflation takes effect unless lawmakers say no.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Monday, Feb. 3, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

A sexual assault kit. (Photo from Alaska Department of Public Safety)
Gov. Dunleavy proposes bill to streamline Alaska sexual assault kit tracking system

Gov. Mike Dunleavy has introduced legislation to set a statewide tracking system… Continue reading

Most Read