Alaska Wildfire Map & Tracker
Track active wildfires across Alaska in real time. WildFire-Ready maps active fires, perimeters, evacuation alerts, smoke and air quality, and fire bans, drawn from National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), National Weather Service, InciWeb, and NASA FIRMS, updated continuously.
What causes wildfires in Alaska
Alaska's wildfires are driven largely by lightning in the vast boreal forest of the Interior, with human starts more common near communities and roads. Black spruce, tundra, and dried understory fuels can carry large, remote fires across the Interior. Long summer daylight, warm, dry spells, and gusty winds can drive rapid fire growth across an immense and sparsely roaded landscape.
Alaska fire season
Alaska's wildfire season runs through the long daylight of the northern summer, with lightning-caused fires burning across vast stretches of boreal forest and tundra. Remote fires can grow very large, and big-fire years move enormous amounts of acreage.
Alaska's wildfire season generally runs from May through August, with activity often building after snowmelt and peaking in the long, warm days of summer. Interior lightning storms in mid-summer commonly coincide with the driest fuels. Activity tends to ease as cooler, wetter weather returns in late summer.
How to read the Alaska map
Flame markers show active fires reported by official agencies, and selecting one shows its status and details. Many Alaska fires burn in remote country, so perimeters and detections may matter more than evacuation zones, which appear as local emergency management issues them. Add the smoke and air-quality layers to track conditions, which can affect communities far from the flames.
We keep the Alaska map current so you can check what is burning, watch a fire near you, and see evacuation alerts and air quality in one place. Coverage is part of WildFire-Ready across Western Canada and 18 western US states, serving more than 130 million people, with the deepest coverage in British Columbia and Alberta.
Data sources for Alaska
Everything we show for Alaska traces back to the agency that publishes it:
- National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
- National Weather Service
- InciWeb
- NASA FIRMS
You can verify the state's fire picture directly at the official agency: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/.
Alaska wildfire FAQ
Are there wildfires in Alaska right now?
WildFire-Ready shows active wildfires across Alaska in real time, drawn from official agencies. Open the live map to see currently active fires, their status, and where they are burning. Counts change throughout the day, so check the map for the latest picture and confirm critical details with the responsible agency.
Where can I see Alaska evacuation orders?
Evacuation orders and alerts for Alaska appear on the WildFire-Ready map and in the app as they are issued by the responsible emergency-management agencies. Always follow official evacuation orders, and call 911 in an emergency. WildFire-Ready is a companion to 911, not a replacement.
Is the air quality safe in Alaska?
Wildfire smoke can move air quality from good to hazardous quickly. WildFire-Ready surfaces air-quality readings on the map so you can check conditions near you. During smoke events, follow guidance from your local health authority.
Is there a fire ban in Alaska?
Fire bans and restrictions for Alaska are shown on the WildFire-Ready map when they are in effect. Restrictions can change with conditions, so verify the current rules with the official agency, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), before lighting any fire.
When is wildfire season in Alaska?
Alaska's wildfire season generally runs from May through August, building after snowmelt and peaking in the long, warm days of summer. Interior lightning storms in mid-summer often coincide with the driest fuels.
What causes most wildfires in Alaska?
Most large Alaska wildfires are driven by lightning in the boreal forest of the Interior, with human starts more common near communities and roads. Black spruce and tundra fuels, long daylight, and warm, dry spells drive rapid fire growth.
How do I sign up for Alaska evacuation alerts?
Official evacuation alerts come from your borough or local emergency-management agency, often through local sign-up systems and Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone. We show evacuation information on the map as agencies issue it, but always register locally and follow official orders.
Where does WildFire-Ready get Alaska fire data?
We draw Alaska fire information from official state and federal sources, including NIFC, the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center, the National Weather Service, and InciWeb, plus NASA FIRMS satellite detections and air-quality data. You can verify the statewide picture directly at the official agency linked on this page.