At the time I’m writing this, there are 69 forest fires burning in Alaska. They dominate Alaska’s interior region, where a hot and dry climate creates the setting for ignition by lightning. So far, approximately 1.5 million acres of land has burned this year. Not as bad as the 7 million acres burned in 2004, but the smoke is ubiquitous across the interior. It appears in degree of thickness based on the wind speed and direction.
Forest fire map showing 69 fires burning in Alaska as of 7-27-09
The smoke is a little demon to a landscape photographer (actually, a big demon). I just returned from the Brooks range where I had planned some aerial photography. Much to my disappointment, the smoke covered hundreds of miles of the Brooks range mountains due to winds out from the south, and I scarcely took a photo, save to show how bad the smoke was.
Forest fire smoke blown north into the Brooks range mountains
If you have ever been in the air in that country, you will know how disheartening it is to look but not see, the amazing beauty of the mountain landscapes. But, that is part of the game and the business of landscape photography. Forest fires have their rightful place in an ecosystem and its cycle of life. Furthermore, Alaska seems to withhold her secrets, even from the most ardent pursuer. But, I have hopes at a few more attempts and will post those results, should that come to fruition!
The smoke is very frustrating for landscape photography. Have you tried any filters?
Elias,
In my opinion, there are really no filters to remove the unwanted influence of smoke. One can, however, use the smoky skies to their advantage at times, for example, at sunset. But besides that, the brilliance and luminance of a clear sky cannot be retrieved with filter.
Bummer. I guess that I am not missing anything by not being up there so much this year. You think the smoke is impacting the north gulf coast around Yakutat? Trying to go there in 3 weeks.
Jon,
I think you should be pretty safe in that region of the state. Fairbanks is nearing a record hot month of July along with an all time low precipitation for the month as well. Beware of the interior until the smoke settles a bit. Yakutat is a region I’ve not shot in, good luck down there.
Patrick
Thanks for the great photos, it is a pity to see that those wonderful places of the world are also in danger because of fires. I thought it was enough with experiencing fires in Spain. I hope rain and snow comes soon this year! Great job