As agencies mark National Wildland Fire Day, firefighters respond to Lake George fire, southeast of Delta Junction

Sunday marked National Wildland Fire Day.

The newly observance, established was established in 2022, recognizes the dedication of wildland firefighters, including federal, state, local, Tribal, military, rural, contract, and support personnel.

The selected date is especially meaningful as it occurs during the Week of Remembrance, which is held annually June 30 to July 6, and serves as an opportunity to renew a commitment to wildland firefighter safety, and we remember those who have fallen in the line of duty.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Alaska Fire Service posted today:

“On National #WildlandfirefighterDay, we give a shout out to the thousands of firefighting and support personnel who spend a good portion of the year keeping people safe from wildland fires.”

Alaska has had its share of wildfires and is keenly aware that wildfires often transcend boundaries and that it takes a collaborative and coordinated response with multiple agencies tapped to respond.

In honor of the day, the National Interagency Fire Center released the following statement:

“Today, we express our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who answer the call to fight wildfires and the dedicated support personnel that make it all possible. By pooling resources, sharing expertise, and fostering open communication, we can tackle wildfires with greater strength and unity. Let us recognize and appreciate the exceptional teamwork exhibited by our interagency partners in safeguarding our communities and environment.”

National Wildland Firefighter Day now serves as a touching reminder of the critical role firefighters and support personnel play in protecting communities.

Meanwhile, interagency firefighters and resources from Alaska Department of Natural Resources - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, and BLM Alaska Fire Service are responding to a new fire start near Lake George, south of Delta Junction. The fire is burning in black spruce, additional crews and resources have been ordered.

The fire is still being estimated at 47 acres and maintaining its footprint. Helicopters, tankers and fire boss firefighting aircraft have been successful so far in cooling down the active fire edges throughout the afternoon.

Ground crews have had the opportunity to be able to be shuttled out to the fire by air resources that are being utilized in the area.

The fire area is only accessible via boat and helicopter, so crews will continue to be shuttled in to the area and will continue to work on the fire with more crews expected to join to bolster efforts on the ground.