Heat Dome Fuels Alaskan Wildfires with Temperatures over 60 Degrees Fahrenheit

Wildfires in Alaska have continued due to a persistent heat wave with temperatures of over 60 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a new report.

The heat dome causes unprecedented hot weather and dry conditions, fueling the flames of the wildland fires in the state.

The extreme weather also paved the way for record-breaking temperatures of over 60 degrees Fahrenheit, especially in Anchorage.

Southern Alaska, in particular, has been experiencing its hottest weather for some of its areas since the start of the United States summer season.

The state is currently in its fire season that normally starts from late May and ends by mid-August.

However, climate scientists recorded the Alaskan wildfires have grown significantly this year.

Human-triggered wildfires have been reported in other parts of the US.

Nevertheless, climate specialists blamed lightning from thunderstorms to have sparked the Alaskan flames, wherein the most notable of them is called the "Lime Complex" fire.

It is the largest wildfire currently engulfing the state, burning a total land area of more than 500,000 acres.

Alaska's ongoing and previous wildfires since the onset of the 21st century have support recent research that wildfires across the US will further increase in size, intensity, and frequency in the coming years.

The trend has pointed towards climate change and global warming to be the main cause.

Alaskan Wildfires

Climate scientist Brian Brettschneider said Anchorage has been experiencing its warmest June for the second time with only an estimated 0.7 inches of rain throughout the month.

The Alaskan wilderness has become a stage and a fuel for the wildfires, as cited by CNN.

Brettschneider added that wildfires in Alaska have burnt about 1.5 million acres of land across the state this year. This led in a 50% increase compared with previous years, where a little over a million acres are burnt for the entire duration of the fire season.

The scientist also said the Lime Complex fire's location in the Alaskan tundra is unusual, since the area does not typically burn at this early phase of the season.

However, various reports suggested that this phenomenon is linked with the abnormal temperature rise brought by the ongoing climate crisis.

Lime Complex Fire

The Alaska Wildland Fire Information reported on Tuesday, June 28, that the Lime Complex has a total size of 572,925 acres, prompting the deployment of various fire-extinguishing equipment and craft such as four helicopters and 10 boats.

In spite of the efforts, heavy smoke has caused reduced visibility, which delayed aerial resources aimed at mitigating or extinguishing the wildfire.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been placed in the area, as well as in other wildland fires called Pike Creek, Koktuli River, and Upper Talarik.

There have been no direct casualties reported from the wildfires so far. However, a Wasilla pilot working on to quell the so-called "Clear Fire" in Interior Alaska died a in a helicopter crash on Sunday, June 26, according to Anchorage Daily News.

The Alaska State Troopers identified the victim to be Douglas Ritchie, 56, from the city of Wasilla.