Smokejumpers, specialized wildfire fighters, have been deployed to tackle two new fires near Ambler, as reported by the National Park Service. These fires were among five new wildfires identified in the Galena Zone during a detection flight on Sunday night. The cause of these fires has been attributed to lightning strikes, which have been prevalent in the area due to recent weather conditions.
The Galena Zone experienced approximately 1,600 lightning strikes on Sunday alone. These strikes followed a period of hot, dry weather conditions with little to no rainfall, creating an environment conducive to wildfires. The lightning strikes and resulting wildfires have posed a significant challenge to the local environment and firefighting efforts.
The National Park Service continues to monitor the situation closely, with the smokejumpers working tirelessly to control and extinguish the fires. The public is urged to stay informed about the situation and to take necessary precautions if in the vicinity of the Galena Zone. The Park Service will provide updates as the situation develops.