Kechumstuk Creek

### 1. Fire Start, Size and Growth - **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Kechumstuk Creek Fire in Alaska began on June 18, 2025, in Southeast Fairbanks, Alaska. The exact time of ignition is not specified, but it was caused by lightning[1][2]. - **Size and Containment**: As of the latest reports, the fire has burned approximately 12,604 acres and remains at 0% containment[1]. - **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: The fire is likely fueled by wildland fuels typical of Alaska's wilderness areas, such as spruce and aspen forests. The growth and spread of the fire are influenced by Alaska's dry conditions and favorable fire weather, which can include wind and low humidity. - **Containment Efforts**: Containment efforts are ongoing, involving local and possibly federal firefighting resources. However, specific details on the current strategy or personnel involved are not provided in the available data. ### 2. Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** - **Mandatory Evacuation Orders**: There are no specific reports of mandatory evacuation orders for the Kechumstuk Creek Fire. However, residents in the vicinity should remain vigilant and monitor local news for updates. - **Evacuation Warnings**: Similarly, there are no detailed evacuation warnings reported for this fire. Residents should be prepared for potential changes in fire behavior. - **Evacuation Shelters and Information**: Specific evacuation shelters for this fire are not detailed in the available information. Residents should contact local authorities for guidance. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** - There are no specific road closures reported directly related to the Kechumstuk Creek Fire. However, residents should check with local authorities for any travel advisories. **For more information, visit:** - [Alaska Interagency Coordination Center (AICC) for fire updates]: https://fire.ak.blm.gov/ - [Alaska Department of Natural Resources for fire information]: https://dnr.alaska.gov/ - [National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) for national fire updates]: https://gacc.nifc.gov/ ### 3. Current Impact **Impacts:** - **Injuries and Fatalities**: There are no reported injuries or fatalities directly attributed to the Kechumstuk Creek Fire. - **Structures Impacted**: No specific reports of structures destroyed or damaged by the fire are available. - **School and Business Closures**: There are no reported school or business closures directly related to this fire. - **Notable Impacts**: The fire's impact on local wildlife and ecosystems is a concern, given its size and location in a wilderness area. **Safety Concerns:** - **Power Outages**: There are no reported power outages directly related to the Kechumstuk Creek Fire. - **Water Safety**: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories. - **Burn Bans**: Alaska often has burn bans in place during fire seasons, but specific details for this area are not provided. - **Air Quality**: Smoke from the fire may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents are advised to stay indoors and use air purifiers if possible. ### 4. Ongoing Outlook - **Containment Projections**: Containment efforts are ongoing, but specific projections for full containment are not available. The fire's remote location and lack of containment suggest that it may continue to burn until weather conditions improve or natural barriers are reached. - **Weather and Wind Warnings**: Alaska's fire season is influenced by dry conditions and wind, which can exacerbate fire spread. Residents should monitor local weather forecasts for red flag warnings or other fire weather advisories. ### 5. Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate - **Cause**: The Kechumstuk Creek Fire was caused by lightning, a common ignition source for wildfires in Alaska[1]. - **Weather and Climate**: The fire is being fueled by Alaska's dry conditions and favorable fire weather, which includes wind and low humidity. The ongoing drought and climate conditions contribute to the fire's spread and intensity. Alaska's fire season is often prolonged due to these factors, making it challenging to contain fires without significant rainfall or snowfall.

Citations

['https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_United_States_wildfires', 'https://fire.ak.blm.gov/predsvcs/akfireno.php?yr=2025']