Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – Thunderstorms on Sunday triggered thousands of lightning strikes across Alaska, igniting several new wildfires and adding to the state’s growing count this season.
Large thunderheads were observed over the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains on Sunday afternoon. The National Weather Service warned of strong thunderstorms capable of producing nickel-size hail, heavy downpours, and frequent lightning.
Fire officials reported a small lightning-caused fire west of Willow, including a strike at the Willow airport. An air tanker from Fairbanks dropped retardant on the Susitna Fire north of Deshka Landing, and a 10-person team worked on the ground to secure the fire’s edge. As of Monday, the fire was estimated at 1 acre.
A small fire on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge was also contained after multiple lightning strikes. In Denali National Park, a fire caused by lightning was reported north of the Alaska Range.
Southwest Alaska experienced a high concentration of lightning strikes, leading to 31 active fires in the region by Monday. Warm, dry weather and scattered storms increased the potential for “holdover” fires, which can smolder before reigniting.
By Sunday afternoon, there were 100 active wildfires across Alaska, with 19 new starts in 24 hours, many in Northwest Alaska. As of Monday morning, 224 fires had burned over 116,000 acres statewide. The McDonald Fire, southeast of Fairbanks, alone burned over 50,260 acres since June 8. The Clear Fire, 15 miles northwest of Fairbanks, merged two fires into one, covering just over 8,600 acres by midday Monday.
Hot, dry weather with the potential for isolated thunderstorms is expected through Wednesday, raising concerns for more fire activity.
