Only a handful of fires in Alaska saw significant growth on Thursday, but a forecast for increasing temperatures and decreasing humidity has officials expecting another uptick during the July 4th weekend.
Five fires on or near the Yukon River grew by a total of 26,000 acres Thursday, pushing the statewide total to 2.2 million acres. Big Creek Two Fire saw the biggest increase, about 15,000 acres.
The fires are now 38 percent contained and a fire line around Kobe was expected to be completed on Friday. A significant demobilization of forces also was expected Friday, as crews were being sent home to rest or assigned to other priorities.
The recent cool temperatures also prompted the Bureau of Land Management to lift their restriction on open fires and fireworks on public lands in east-central Alaska, and reopen the western portion of the White Mountains Recreation Area — both effective 12:01 a.m. July 4.
The National Weather Service is predicting lows in the 70s and highs possibly reaching the low 80s for the weekend. Minimal wind is expected with the possible exception of the Alaska Range, which could lead to a red flag warning. Thunderstorms also are not expected, with the possible exception of the Alaska-Canada border.
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