Moldy

## Moldy Fire Report - July 29, 2025 ### Fire Start, Size and Growth **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Moldy Fire (#279), part of the Roundabout Complex, was discovered on June 20, 2025, near Huslia in Yukon-Koyukuk County, Alaska. Specific ignition times are not detailed in available reports. **Size and Containment**: As of July 22, 2025, the fire had burned approximately 72,197 acres and was reported to be 30% contained. Satellite data from July 15-18, 2025, indicated a size of around 73,085 acres. **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: Over the past 72 hours, the fire has exhibited minimal activity. Reports from July 15th to July 22nd indicate no recent growth or movement. This reduction in activity is attributed to cooler temperatures and rainfall, which have moderated fire behavior and aided containment efforts. **Containment Efforts**: Firefighting efforts have focused on point protection of Alaska Native allotments and securing fire lines. Crews are engaged in mopping up and verifying suppression efforts. Resources include helicopters, and specialized hotshot crews such as the Midnight Sun hotshot crew. Incoming Alaska and Northern New Mexico Type 3 teams are also supporting operations. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering**: As of the latest reports, there have been no changes to evacuation levels, and no mandatory evacuation orders or warnings are currently in effect. **Road Closures**: No specific road closures have been reported in direct relation to the Moldy Fire. **Sheltering**: Information regarding evacuation shelters has not been released, suggesting no large-scale displacement of residents. **For more information, visit:** * [Alaska Fire Service updates on the Roundabout Complex]: https://akfireinfo.com/2025/07/15/after-prolonged-dry-spell-rain-finally-offers-firefighters-moderating-conditions-on-the-roundabout-complex/ * [Alaska Fire Service updates on Moldy Fire protection efforts]: https://akfireinfo.com/2025/07/18/firefighters-continue-to-prepare-and-protect-allotments-on-the-north-and-south-fronts-of-the-roundabout-complexs-moldy-fire/ * [Alaska Fire Service official site]: http://www.blm.gov/AlaskaFireService ### Current Impact **Community and Infrastructure**: The Moldy Fire has posed a threat to Alaska Native allotments, with crews actively working to protect these areas. Firefighters have also provided assistance to the community with a reported failure of the main water pump, which impacted the village's water supply. **Structures and Lives**: There have been no reports of structures destroyed, fatalities, or injuries directly attributed to the Moldy Fire. **Power and Utilities**: While assistance was provided for a water pump failure, there are no widespread power outages reported in connection with this fire. **Safety Concerns**: The recent cooler and wetter weather has helped to reduce fire risk. No burn bans or specific air quality advisories related to the Moldy Fire have been issued. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections**: With 30% containment achieved and fire activity significantly reduced, ongoing efforts are focused on mopping up and securing fire lines. Incoming crews will continue suppression and protection work, with the goal of full containment. **Weather and Fire Behavior**: Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have moderated fire behavior, leading to minimal fire activity and no reported growth or spread in the last several days. This trend is expected to continue, though fire managers are preparing for the possibility of warmer, drier weather in the coming days, which could lead to increased fire activity. **Warnings**: Currently, there are no active Red Flag Warnings or extreme weather alerts specifically for the Moldy Fire area. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause**: The specific cause of the Moldy Fire is listed as lightning. **Weather and Climate**: Alaska's fire season has been influenced by prolonged dry spells, but recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have been beneficial in moderating fire behavior and aiding containment efforts. However, the long-term trend in Alaska shows increasing wildfire activity due to climate change, characterized by rising temperatures, increased drought, and a shorter snow season. These conditions create environments where fires can start and spread more easily, and lightning-caused fires are becoming more frequent in some regions. ### **For more information, visit:** * [Alaska Wildland Fire Information]: https://akfireinfo.com/ * [Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service]: http://www.blm.gov/AlaskaFireService * [Wildfire Explorer - Moldy Fire Information]: https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEOtoXKcQObi1gVHRROyfN_-be5Yh9noereIS5a5si3CoXxsEsSIJYupL8ZWFNUajkNMjGK0hAsV4HlxxcQHjLQb2SZ98Ird5zyB82WZbLNh6P1En9tNR0TBL_ZDgM=

Citations