News Release

Increased smoke visible from two wildfires in the Noatak National Preserve

135-Tututalak Fire on June 16

BlM AFS photo

News Release Date: June 18, 2024

Contact: Jon Nicholson, 907-412-1434

Due to warm, dry, and windy conditions, two wildfires in Noatak National Preserve have increased in size over the weekend. The 135-Tututalak and 131-Urgoon fires were first observed by the Galena Fire Management Zone Office on June 13, 2024. 

Increased smoke may be visible in the Lower Noatak River area, as well as the Eli and Agashashok River drainages. Smoke is thickest near the southwest corner of the fire. 

As of June 17, 2024, the 135-Tututalak Fire has increased in size to 7000 acres. The Tututalak Fire is located approximately 32 miles northeast of Noatak Village and about 5 miles east of the Kelly River and Noatak River confluence. BlM AFS photo taken on Sunday, June 16, 2024.

As of June 17, 2024, the 131-Urgoon Fire has increased in size to 4,264 acres. The Urgoon Fire is located 22 miles northeast of Noatak Village and about 8 miles south of the Kelly River and Noatak River confluence. 

The Alaska Interagency Coordination Center continues to monitor the fires using aviation overflights. The fires will be actively managed if a threat is posed to people, property, and native allotments. 

The safety of the public and firefighters remains the highest priority in all fire management activities. More information is available on akfireinfo.com.

For information on air quality related to wildfires, visit the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Air Quality's Wildfire Smoke Information page: https://dec.alaska.gov/air/anpms/wildfire-smoke/ 

Stay Informed 

The current fire danger level for Northwest Alaska is Low to Moderate, indicating that fires can start from both accidental and natural causes, with the average fire being of moderate intensity.