"The fire’s rapid growth—over 1,500 acres in just a few days—highlights a significant escalation in a remote Alaskan region, underscoring the potential for rapid expansion in natural fires. The continued lack of containment and moderate fire behavior suggest increasing risk to surrounding areas."
The Shaw wildfire, located 23 miles northeast of Delta Junction in Southeast Fairbanks, Alaska, was first reported on August 6, 2026. The fire, caused by natural factors and managed by the DNR, began at 1,906.7 acres with no containment. Over the next week the blaze expanded to 2,116 acres on August 14 and then surged to 3,459.2 acres by August 17, with fire behavior escalating from minimal to moderate while remaining smoldering and running. Throughout the timeline, containment remained at 0% and no personnel or evacuation actions were documented.
Official source description: 23 Miles NE from Delta Junction, AK
Moderate; Smoldering; Running
Given the moderate fire behavior and lack of containment, residents and visitors in the vicinity should remain vigilant, follow any official advisories, and be prepared for potential evacuation if conditions worsen.
IRWIN ID: {A0592C20-35B4-45E3-8902-200A33224708}
Discovered: Jun 20, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: DNR
Est. Cost to Date: $12,467
Coordinates: 64.3795, -145.4434
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in AK.
The Shaw Fire has burned 3,459 acres as of August 17, 2026.
The Shaw Fire has not yet reached any official containment.
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Shaw Fire is burning in Southeast Fairbanks, AK.
No, the Shaw Fire is no longer listed as active by NIFC.
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