Racquet

## Racquet Fire Report - July 29, 2025 ### Fire Start, Size and Growth **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Racquet Fire was discovered on June 19, 2025, in Yukon-Koyukuk County, Alaska. Specific start times and exact ignition locations within the county are not detailed in the provided information. **Size and Containment**: As of July 2, 2025, the Racquet Fire had burned 721 acres and was reported as 0% contained. Recent updates from July 2025 indicate that the fire has grown. For instance, on July 22, 2025, the Racquet Fire was listed as covering 1,713.5 acres, with its owner category listed as BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and the unit name as Eastern Interior Field Office. **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: Information regarding the specific fuels contributing to the Racquet Fire's growth and its rate of spread is not detailed in the provided reports. However, general conditions in Alaska during this period have been characterized by dry, hot, and windy weather, which fuels rapid fire growth. **Containment Efforts**: Containment efforts for the Racquet Fire are ongoing. As of July 22, 2025, it was reported as 0% contained. Later data from July 12, 2025, indicated the fire was under a "Limited" management option. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection is involved in managing fires across the state. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** At this time, there are no specific evacuation orders or warnings directly associated with the Racquet Fire detailed in the provided reports. However, other fires in the Interior of Alaska have prompted evacuations, such as the Bonanza Creek and Nenana Ridge fires near Fairbanks, and the Saint George Creek Fire near Healy. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** Specific road closures directly related to the Racquet Fire are not detailed. However, the general situation in Alaska has seen road impacts from fires. For example, the Bear Creek Fire has affected traffic on the Parks Highway between Fairbanks and Anchorage, with pilot cars escorting traffic through the burn zone. The Elliott Highway north of Fairbanks has also seen impacts from fires like the Aggie Creek and Himalaya Road fires. Travelers are advised to check 511.alaska.gov for real-time road closure information. **For more information, visit:** * [Alaska Wildland Fire Information](http://www.akfireinfo.com/) * [Division of Forestry & Fire Protection](https://dnr.alaska.gov/ml/fire/) * [Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Restrictions](https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-offices/alaska/fire-restrictions) ### Current Impact **Impacts:** The Racquet Fire, as of July 2, 2025, had burned 721 acres. By July 22, 2025, this had increased to 1,713.5 acres. The overall wildfire situation in Alaska has been severe, with over 500,000 acres burned statewide by July 7, 2025, leading to the state reaching its highest preparedness level. This has resulted in the mobilization of resources from across the state and cooperative agreements with other states. **Safety Concerns:** **Burn Bans and Fire Restrictions:** Due to increased fire activity, burn permits have been suspended across much of Alaska, including the Interior, Southcentral, Kenai Peninsula, and Kodiak, as of July 3, 2025. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) had also issued fire prevention orders restricting open fires and fireworks on BLM-managed lands in the Interior, though some of these restrictions were rescinded by July 18, 2025. Campfires in established fire rings at BLM campgrounds were permitted, as were camp stoves and grills. However, the Division of Forestry recommends refraining from lighting any open fire until fire danger conditions reduce. **Air Quality:** Wildfire smoke is a significant concern in Alaska, and new air quality sensors are being deployed to help monitor smoke. Smoke from fires like the Aggie Creek and Himalaya Road fires has been observed across the Elliott Highway. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections:** As of July 2, 2025, the Racquet Fire was 0% contained. Later data from July 22, 2025, shows the fire at 1,713.5 acres. Containment efforts are ongoing, with fire managers working to manage fires across the state. The general outlook for mid-July in Alaska suggests dry deep-duff layers, making fires more difficult to manage and increasing their resistance to extinguishment during hot, dry periods. **Weather and Wind Warnings:** Alaska has experienced a wave of hot, dry, and windy weather intensifying fire conditions. Red Flag warnings have been in effect for parts of the Interior through Thursday night and into Friday. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause:** The cause of the Racquet Fire is listed as lightning. **Weather and Climate:** The current wildfire season in Alaska has been significantly influenced by weather patterns. A shift from cooler, wetter weather to hot, dry, and windy conditions has intensified fire behavior and growth. Lightning activity has been a significant ignition source. The cumulative drying of fuels, particularly deep duff layers, makes fires more resistant to control during these hot and dry periods. ### For more information, visit:** * [Alaska Wildland Fire Information](http://www.akfireinfo.com/) * [Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection](https://dnr.alaska.gov/ml/fire/) * [Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Restrictions](https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-offices/alaska/fire-restrictions)

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