Wildfire — Central Copper Valley, Alaska

2025-06-21 · Central Copper Valley, Alaska

Event narrative

The Gulkana ASOS recorded red flag conditions (RH less than 25%, 15 mph winds gusting to 25 mph, and temperatures of 75 to 81 degrees) from around 1 PM AKST to 4 PM AKST on the afternoon of 6/21. Two ongoing wildfires farther to the north showed increased activity and smoke on satellite products around the same timeframe as winds reached maximum intensity.

Wider weather episode

A frontal system approaching a strong ridge of high pressure in place for several days across Southcentral Alaska resulted in a favorable setup for significant fire weather concerns across portions of the Copper Basin on the afternoon of 6/21. Gusty south winds enhanced by terrain developed out of the Copper River Valley as temperatures climbed into the low 80s and as relative humidities dropped to near 20% for several hours, leading to red flag conditions and increased fire activity noted on satellite near two existing wildfires over parts of the northern Copper Basin.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1261649. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.