Ptarmigan Complex

### Ptarmigan Complex Fire Report - July 29, 2025 ### Fire Start, Size and Growth **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Ptarmigan Complex is an aggregation of fires, with individual ignitions occurring throughout the fire season. Specific start dates and precise locations for each fire within the complex are not detailed in the provided information, but fires within the complex were discovered as early as May 25, 2025. **Size and Containment**: As of July 26, 2025, the Ptarmigan Complex encompasses approximately 50,590 acres. Containment is reported at 28% across the complex's fire perimeters. **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: The fires within the Ptarmigan Complex are primarily burning in typical Alaskan boreal forest conditions, including timber, closed timber litter, and brush. Fire behavior has been minimal in recent days, characterized by creeping, smoldering, and backing. However, fire managers are closely monitoring the forecast for warmer, drier, and breezier conditions which could lead to increased fire activity. **Containment Efforts**: Containment efforts involve establishing control lines around fire perimeters. Crews are actively engaged in monitoring, suppression repair, and rehabilitation work. Specific efforts include removing equipment from contained fire edges, repairing bulldozer lines, and addressing lingering hotspots. A Type 4 management organization is overseeing the incident, with 28 personnel assigned as of June 21, 2025. The cost to date is not specified in the provided information. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** As of July 21, 2025, there are no remaining public access closures or evacuation notices associated with the Turtle Fire or the Ptarmigan Fire Complex. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Eastern Interior Field Office has lifted the fire closure order for the Lower Birch Creek Wayside near mile 140 of the Steese Highway. However, visitors planning to float the Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River should remain aware of active fires near the river and increased motorboat activity associated with fire suppression and monitoring. **For more information, visit:** * [Alaska Wildland Fire Information](https://akfireinfo.com/) * [Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Restrictions](https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-offices/alaska/fire-restrictions) * [Alaska Interagency Coordination Center](https://aicc.alaska.gov/) ### Current Impact **Impacts:** **Injuries and Fatalities**: No injuries or fatalities have been reported in relation to the Ptarmigan Complex fires in the provided information. **Structures Impacted**: Specific information on structures impacted or destroyed is not detailed in the provided reports. However, efforts have been made to protect Alaska Native allotments and structures along the Steese Highway. **School and Business Closures**: No school or business closures have been reported due to the Ptarmigan Complex fires. **Notable Impacts**: Firefighters have been working to repair fuel breaks that were previously impassable for wildlife. **Safety Concerns:** **Power Outages**: No power outages have been reported in relation to the Ptarmigan Complex fires. **Water Safety**: No specific water safety concerns have been reported. **Burn Bans**: There are no active burn bans or fire restrictions reported specifically for the Ptarmigan Complex area. **Air Quality**: Air quality is reported as good in North Pole, Alaska, as of July 25, 2025. However, visitors are advised to remain alert as fires are still active nearby and Alaska remains in fire season. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections**: Containment efforts are ongoing, with 28% of the fire perimeters contained as of July 26, 2025. Fire managers are continuing to monitor fires within the complex and are prepared to respond to new starts due to the potential for increased fire activity with warmer and drier weather. **Weather and Wind Warnings**: While recent weather has moderated fire activity, a drying trend is in the forecast. Warmer, drier, and breezier conditions are expected, which could increase fire behavior and the risk of new fire starts. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause**: The cause of the individual fires within the Ptarmigan Complex is not specified in the provided reports. **Weather and Climate**: The fire activity is influenced by typical Alaskan boreal forest conditions. The recent moderation in fire behavior is attributed to cooler and less active weather, including rain and isolated thunderstorms. However, the forecast of warmer and drier conditions with increased winds poses a risk for renewed fire activity. These weather patterns are consistent with seasonal variations and may be influenced by broader climate trends affecting fire season length and intensity in Alaska. ### For more information, visit:** * [Alaska Wildland Fire Information](https://akfireinfo.com/) * [Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Restrictions](https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-offices/alaska/fire-restrictions) * [Alaska Interagency Coordination Center](https://aicc.alaska.gov/)

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