Fairbanks Fires
Overview: Wildfire is Natural, but Increasing
Wildfire has been an important part of the Interior Alaska boreal forest ecosystem for thousands of years. For example, Native Alaskan Elders note that early willow and alder growth post- fire support moose populations. While fire is a recurring feature of the landscape, research shows that European settlement has changed the fire regime with an increased number of fires attributed to human activity. In addition, as the climate warms, earlier spring snowmelt, increased evaporation and more lightning strikes raise fire risks. These changes, paired with an increasing wildland urban interface in the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB), require attention by policy makers and land managers to protect human life and property.
Causes of Wildfire
Wildfires start when dry fuels are ignited by a spark. The spark can be natural (i.e. lightning) or human-caused. In the FNSB, the long, hot days in the summer contribute to wildfire with wind and dry, low-humidity air, acting as accelerants. Approximately 38% of the Fairbanks North Star Borough has burned since 1940. However, there are large areas in the the borough that remain untouched in part due to fire management that prioritizes protecting human life and property. Although this strategy is important for people and homes, it disrupts the boreal forest’s natural burn cycle. As a result, these unburned areas contain more FUEL which leads to… greater risk of burning in the future. Fire management and policy should balance these competing
Fire in the Boreal Ecosystem
Black spruce (Picea mariana) is a key species in the Interior. Historically, black spruce forests burned on a 60-150 year cycle. Black spruce have adaptations that make them prone to burn. Their low branches and abundant resin transfers fire from the ground to the treetops. Black spruce are semi-serotinous, meaning that heat prompts cones to release seeds which can then flourish after a fire.
Fire Through History in FSNB
1915: Early Fairbanks Fire
Smoke seen behind Ester Dome and Birch Hill, local rancher held responsible for fire due to negligence, concern that berry pickers were starting fires
1928: Fire threatens Alaska College (now UAF) and damages Agricultural Experiment Farm
Fire started burning in July, reached campus August 4, and was fought by locals and college professors, college spared but approx. $12,000 in damages to reindeer pastures
1940: Fire Near Harding Lake
Rains dampened fire near Harding Lake, officials warned of potential for reignition
1958: Many fires burn through summer
- Fire near North Pole (8,418 acres) and fire near Mile 12 Chena Hot Springs Road (200 acres)
- Fire at Goldstream (2,966 acres), present day Jones Road to east of Ballaine Road area
- Fire on Murphy Dome (22,066 acres), parts of Cache Creek and present day Lincoln Creek
1971: Wickersham Dome Fire
13,784 acres, fire began June 24, stopped on June 30, costs totaled $1.1 million
1983: Rosie Creek Fire
6,848 acres southwest of Ester, fire lasted 18 days, losses totaled $5 million
2002: West Fork Creek
22,272 acres, threatened Angel Creek Lodge near Chena Hot Springs
2004: Largest fire season Fairbanks North Star Borough and Alaska statewide
- Wolf Creek Fire (237,178 acres), threatened Chena Hot Springs
- Boundary Fire (538,651 acres), threatened Haystack subdivision
- Heavy smoke late Jun-Sep, 15 days at hazardous, 31 days at unhealthy or higher levels
2009: Hard Luck Creek Fire
12,850 acres, fire near Murphy Dome threatened upper Murphy Dome residences
2010: Willow Creek Fire
13,766 acres, 10 miles south of Fairbanks, started June 10 and burned into August
2011: Moose Mountain Fire and Hastings Fire
- Moose Mountain Fire (858 acres), 200 firefighters, threatened homes in Goldstream
- Hastings Fire (23,110 acres), 200 firefighters, threatened Hayes Creek subdivision
2013: Stuart Creek 2 Fire
87,000 acres, fire started by U.S. Army during training on a high wind day, 1,200 residents evacuated near Chena Hot Springs Road
2019: Shovel Creek Fire
22,488 acres, fire near Murphy Dome, 114 residents evacuated, fire contained after 39 days and $25 million, established fire break supported firefighting tactics
2021: Munson Creek Fire
50,964 acres, threatened Chena Hot Springs
2022: Minto Lakes Fire
37,752 acres, threatened lower Chatanika River area
2023: Lost Horse Creek Fire
9,316 acres, Haystack subdivsion evacuated, began in July due to late season lightning
Note: Many small fires were excluded for clarity and brevity
Burned Area
Wildfire Smoke and Health
Changes in Particulate Matter (PM)
Sometimes wildfires can be very far from population centers and still have a significant impact on human health. Depending on weather patterns, wildfire smoke can travel long distances and linger in areas. Particles that make up wildfire smoke vary in size. The particles that humans can’t see often do the most harm to the lungs and airway. Smoky days during the summer are not unusual in Fairbanks but are INCREASING (see figure below). During the extreme 2004 wildfire season, maximum particulate matter (PM) concentrations rose above 1000 ug/m3 corresponding to a hazardous air quality (AQI). The concentration in Fairbanks is normally 10 ug/ m3. To protect against the impacts of smoke, N-95 masks and air purifiers are recommended.
New Research
Research by Dr. Micah Hahn’s Lab at the University of Alaska Anchorage shows that wildfire smoke in Alaska is positively associated with asthma emergency room visits (this varies by age, sex and geography) and that during wildfire events Alaska Native people had increased risk of cardiovascular outcomes. This study affirms EPA guidance to wear N-95 masks during elevated smoke days.
Visibility Changes
Find up to Date Fire Information:
Please visit the Alaska Wildland Fire Information or the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center websites to learn more about current risks and past events.