Some Alaska firefighters head to Lower 48 to assist combating blazes

Some of Alaska’s firefighters are headed to the Lower 48 to help with blazes ranging from Washington to New Mexico. The state’s Division of Forestry said they are retaining enough resources to respond to any fires in Alaska.

Listen now

So far this year, the fire season has been quiet. On average, 1.2 million acres burn every year. As of Tuesday morning, fewer than 340,000 have seen wildfire damage. Most of the current fires are in remote, drier parts of northeast Alaska.

a portrait of a woman outside

Anne Hillman is the healthy communities editor at Alaska Public Media and a host of Hometown, Alaska. Reach her atahillman@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Annehere.

Previous articleSomeone may want to buy the ferry Taku, but they need more time
Next articleAsk a Climatologist: Remembering the record breaking July snow