It appears that the hot and dry conditions in Alaska’s interior are continuing to cultivate conditions ripe for wildland forest fires. Having just missed a potentially house-threatening fire a week ago, another nearby fire started by lightning in the Murphy Dome area, not too far from Moose Mountain (although not-too-far does have different meaning following the Moose Mountain fire). Yesterday, after seeing a plume forming in the distance, I went to a vantage point and took a few token shots of the aerial assault on the fire, which included water and retardant drops by planes and helicopters working the area. These are a few images that reveal the state of the fire as of yesterday around 5pm. Updates can be found through the INCI web portal.
Aircraft attempt to suppress the Hastings wildland forest fire near Murphy Dome north of Fairbanks, Alaska.
Hastings wildland forest fire near Murphy Dome north of Fairbanks, Alaska.
Hastings wildland forest fire near Murphy Dome north of Fairbanks, Alaska.
Hastings wildland forest fire near Murphy Dome north of Fairbanks, Alaska.
I’ve been jealous of your recent sunny & warm weather, but I guess this is what happens to you folks in the interior when it is nice too long. Best wishes.
Yes indeed Jon,
Sun is great for vacation, but not preferred for photography. We had that cloudless, sunny weather in Prince William Sound, which was both beautiful to the soul after a long winter, and terrible for dramatic photography.