The Alaska Division of Forestry is reporting multiple fires, from the state's western coast to the Canadian Border, many of which ignited due to 18,500 recorded lightning strikes Thursday.
For two days in a row, Thursday and Friday, there were more than 40 new fires in Alaska, according to the Forestry Division. Most of the fires are burning in limited protection areas in remote parts of the state and will be monitored but not extinguished unless they cause significant threats.
Firefighters are "working furiously" to keep a blaze sparked by a lightning strike near the Salcha River in check. The wildfire is threatening multiple cabins on the river south of Fairbanks, officials said. Its size is currently estimated at 700 acres.
High winds pushing the fire north and northeast toward the river and cabins are challenging firefighters.
Two air tankers are dumping fire retardant to establish a break line and keep the fire from reaching structures, according to the division. Other aircraft are dropping water. Additionally, more than 50 people are on the ground battling the blaze, and eight smokejumpers from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service are settling up protection measures for the cabins.
The fire is located about 15 air miles upriver from the Richardson Highway; it is a 1/2 mile south of the river and 3 miles north of the trans-Alaska pipeline.
The Federal Aviation Administration has placed a temporary flight restriction over the fire and advised pilots to avoid the area.
Farther north, the Mauneluk River 2 Fire is rapidly growing, doubling its size in a day to 1,355 acres. The lightning-caused fire is located near the Gates of the Arctic National Preserve and was expected to move into the reserve's boundary by Friday evening due to hot, dry weather, officials said.
It is also reportedly threatening a private lodge at Narvak Lake. Earlier Friday, the lodge owner told the Alaska Fire Service the flames were 5 1/2 miles northwest of the lake.
The fire service launched detection flights throughout the northern half of Alaska, according to the state. Officials will be looking for new starts and sizing up fires that gained ground due to strong westerly winds.
There are nine staffed fires statewide. The Alaska Interagency Coordination Center said it will balance fire resources based on need while being mindful of additional fires that may start over the weekend.
A cold front is forecast to move down from the northwest Arctic in the coming days, bringing colder temperatures. The front is expected to bring colder temperatures, but little rain.
"Instead, there will be wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph, which will fuel fire behavior," the division reported.