Did you know that snowmobiles have unintentionally sparked spring wildfires in Alaska? The record setting 10,302 acre Kwethluk Fire in the the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta was unintentionally sparked last April. Two snowmachiners were traveling across exposed tundra when the ignition occurred and the fire quickly grew out of control. Thankfully the snowmachiners immediately reported the fire to dispatch (800-237-3633 or 911) so that aerial observation could begin. Over the next two weeks the wildfire grew as wind blew sparks that were able to burn more dry tundra across sections of frozen creeks and across snow covered areas. We encourage you to spread awareness with people you know as the seasonal outlook for 2023 predicts increased wildfire activity again around Bethel, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and anywhere in Alaska with lower snowfall or rapid spring snowpack melt.