Red Flag Fire Warning Along Copper & Chitina Rivers, July 11th, 2026.

 

Red Flag Warnings issued for the Copper River Valley 

BY ALASKA DIVISION OF FORESTRY & FIRE PROTECTION on JULY 10, 2026

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Central Copper Valley, Southern Copper Valley, and McCarthy.

The Red Flag Warnings are in effect from 12:00 p.m. through 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11th.

Critical fire weather conditions are expected due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. Any new fire starts or existing fires may spread rapidly.

Find the National Weather Service Red Flag Map here: Alaska Fire Weather Watch/Warning Information

A Red Flag Warning has also been issued for the Yukon Flats from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11th, due to abundant lightning paired with hot and dry conditions.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring or are about to occur. In Alaska, this means warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds are combining with dry fuels (like grass and dead trees) to create a high risk of wildfire.

Fire Prevention is key! Please use extreme caution with anything that could spark a fire.

• Avoid burning. Check for burn restrictions or Burn Permit suspensions in your area.
• Be careful with equipment. Do not use equipment that may emit sparks, such as chainsaws or lawnmowers, especially in dry, grassy areas.
• Properly dispose of cigarettes. Never throw cigarette butts on the ground or out of a vehicle.
• Extinguish campfires completely. Drown them with water, stir the ashes, and feel for any remaining heat. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

You can find more information about the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP) Burn Permit program and suspensions at https://dnr.alaska.gov/burn

For current information on Burn Permits, call the hotline at the closest DFFP Area Office: