Ninetyeight

Here is a detailed summary of the Ninetyeight Fire, focusing on information from the last 72 hours: ## Ninetyeight Fire Report - July 29, 2025 ### Fire Start, Size and Growth **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Ninetyeight Fire (#218) was detected on June 19, 2025, in a remote section of the Yukon Training Area, north of the Salcha River, approximately 25 miles northeast of Salcha, Alaska. The exact ignition time is not specified, but it is believed to be lightning-caused. **Size and Containment**: As of July 28, 2025, the fire has burned approximately 15,610 acres and is reported to be 89% contained. On July 20, 2025, it was reported at 15,677 acres with 54% containment. **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: The primary fuel type is timber (litter and understory). In the last 72 hours, the fire activity has been minimal, characterized by creeping and smoldering with some single tree torching. There has been no significant growth reported in recent days, and sparse precipitation has been received. Firefighters are focused on reinforcing firelines and mopping up hotspots. **Containment Efforts**: Crews have been advancing firelines along the south and southwest corners, installing sprinkler systems along the perimeter, and conducting mop-up operations. Efforts are concentrated on keeping the fire north of the Salcha River and strengthening firelines to protect military infrastructure. Personnel are also backhauling excess equipment as containment progresses. A Type 3 incident management team was expected to assume command of the fire around July 23, 2025. The estimated cost to date for the fire is $3,081,000. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** **Evacuation Levels**: As of July 24, 2025, the Middle and Lower Salcha River areas were at Level 2 (SET), meaning residents should be ready to leave at a moment's notice. The Upper Salcha River area remained at Level 1 (READY), indicating readiness for potential evacuation. More recently, on July 28, 2025, the Fairbanks North Star Borough has a Level 1 “Ready” Evacuation in place for the Middle and Lower Salcha River due to limited fire activity. **Evacuation Shelters and Information**: Residents can find evacuation maps and information on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations website. They can also receive text notifications by texting WILDFIRES to 67283. **Public Safety Alerts**: Boaters on the Salcha River between Mile 30 and Mile 42 are urged to exercise extreme caution due to high fire-related boat traffic. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** Specific road closures are not detailed in the available information, but caution is advised in the Salcha River area due to fire-related activity. Training Areas 315, 316, 317, and 318 in the Yukon Training Area (YTA) are closed for public and firefighter safety. **For more information, visit:** * [Alaska Wildland Fire Information](https://akfireinfo.com/) * [Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations website](https://fnsb.gov/emergency/index.php/emergency-operations) * [BLM Alaska Fire Service Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BLMAFS/) ### Current Impact **Impacts:** **Structures Impacted**: No specific reports of structures destroyed have been provided in the available updates. Firefighters have been implementing protective measures around cabins and Alaska Native allotments in the area. **Injuries and Fatalities**: No injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with the Ninetyeight Fire. **School and Business Closures**: No school or business closures directly related to this fire have been reported. **Notable Impacts**: The fire remains a threat to areas north of the Salcha River. No notable individuals or key infrastructure impacts have been reported. **Safety Concerns:** **Burn Bans/Fire Restrictions**: The Bureau of Land Management has issued fire restrictions throughout the district. **Air Quality**: Air quality in the North Pole area, near the fire, was reported as "Good" on July 27, 2025, with an AQI of 37. **Water Safety**: No specific water safety concerns have been reported. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections**: Containment efforts are ongoing, with crews working to strengthen firelines and mop up hotspots. The fire is primarily creeping and smoldering, indicating a manageable fire behavior. **Weather and Wind Warnings**: Recent forecasts indicate that while fire season is winding down in much of Alaska, eastern regions remain hot and dry, keeping fire danger elevated. However, there have been periods of precipitation and forecasts for potential rain, which aids containment efforts. Winds have generally been light and terrain-driven. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause**: The cause of the Ninetyeight Fire is undetermined, but it is believed to be lightning-caused. **Weather and Climate**: The fire behavior is characterized by creeping and smoldering, with minimal active spread, suggesting that current weather conditions may be relatively mild. While there have been periods of dry and warm conditions that can increase fire danger, recent precipitation has helped moderate fire activity. No extreme fire weather conditions or specific climate factors exacerbating the fire have been highlighted in recent updates. ### For more information, visit:** * [Alaska Wildland Fire Information](https://akfireinfo.com/) * [Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations website](https://fnsb.gov/emergency/index.php/emergency-operations) * [BLM Alaska Fire Service Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BLMAFS/)

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