Division of Forestry and Fire Protection Continues to Respond to Several New Initial Attack Fires – Alaska Wildfire Information

Eight new fires were reported Thursday in the Alaska State Conservation Jurisdiction and seven in the BLM Alaska Fire Department. There are 11 fires monitored statewide. Today will be much less active overall. The main area of ​​focus will be from the White Mountains to the Brooks Range and especially northwest of Fort Yukon, where scattered thunderstorms are expected. Most of the thunderstorms will produce wet rain, but there is still a risk of dry thunderstorms in the interior, especially in the Yukon Plains. Due to high temperatures and windy conditions, the western Yukon Plains will be near Red Flag criteria, while the southern slopes of the Eastern Brooks Range will be under a Red Flag Warning from 1 p.m. to midnight. Temperatures will remain warm with the majority of the area in the 80s and the area in the 80s. Burn suspensions remain in place for the Mat-Su, Valdez/Copper River, Fairbanks, Delta and Tok areas. The suspensions will be in effect until conditions improve.

FIRES WITH PERSONNEL:

Totchaket Swamp Fire (#297) 15 miles north of Nenana was discovered during a scouting flight and was originally estimated at 0.1 acres. Fire chiefs and helicopters were able to knock down the most active edge of the fire. Fairbanks 1 Type 2 crew was dispatched to assist. The fire is estimated at 1 acre and Fairbanks 1 crew remained on scene throughout the night. They will continue their firefighting efforts throughout the day and protect property at risk in the area.

Gold King Creek Fire (#276) 45.5 miles south of Fairbanks. The fire reportedly burned 400 acres in black spruce, mixed hardwood and tundra forests. Fixed-wing aerial surveillance planes were able to coordinate fire-retardant dropping operations from tankers. The fire retardant was found to be effective on anchoring and healing the fire. Fire Bosses and Scooper aircraft also conducted water drops around the perimeter of the fire. Due to weather conditions and the growth of the fire, the initial strategy was changed from total suppression to spot protection. The Yukon Type 2 team has been mobilized and resources are assessing structures, reducing fuels and performing pipe installations. The crew remained on the fire throughout the night and will remain on this fire to provide suppression support.

New fires reported Thursday:

C Two Fire (#298) 4 miles east of the Kenai Airport, a pile fire was reported on private property. Kenai Fire Department was dispatched to a report of smoke in the Dogwood area. Resources patrolled the area and arrived on scene of a 10×15 burn pile burning on manure and no clearance with escape into the wilderness. Kenai Fire Department assisted in extinguishing the pile and the fire was declared contained and under control as of 8 p.m. Thursday.

Kalifornsky Fire (#295) 4 miles southeast of Kenai was reported by Alaska State Police found a small brush pile on the side of the Kalifornsky Beach road. DOF resources arrived on scene and discovered a 0.1 acre fire smoldering. Resources were able to prevent further spread. This fire will be monitored.

Uniform Fire (#296) 4 miles southeast of Kenai. As Forest Resources responded to the Kalifornsky Upon arrival, Forest Resources discovered a second fire near Even Ln. The fire is 0.1 acre and resources were able to prevent further spread. This fire will be monitored.

Bear Creek Fire (#294) 55 miles east of Eielson AFB was reported by a DOF aircraft. It was reported on 0.5 acres, 5 miles north of the Salcha River, burning in black spruce and tundra. A DOF helicopter responded and measured the fire at approximately one acre. No resources or structures are threatened. This fire will be monitored.

Sushana River Fire (#293) Twenty-four miles west of Healy, 30 acres were burning black spruce and mixed hardwoods. The location of the fire is approximately 200 feet above sea level and there are no values ​​at risk in the area. This fire will be monitored.

Lost Chicken Hill Fire (#291) Twenty-one miles northeast of Tok, 200 acres of forest were reported. The fire is visible near mile marker 10 of Taylor Highway. It burns in black spruce. This fire is visible from the highway, but does not threaten any resources or structures. The fire will be monitored for any changes in its behavior or direction.

Rock Creek Fire (#288) 10 miles northwest of Healy was reported by an FAA to the Division of Forestry. A plane flying over the area saw smoke near Rock Creek. The Tri Valley Fire Department responded to the report of smoke. They patrolled the area and were unable to locate the fire. Tri Valley will patrol the area again today to monitor for any fire activity.

Moon Lake Fire 2 (#283) 7 miles west of Tanacross, a smoke report was reported near Moon Lake. There was lightning in the area during the day, but upon investigation of the smoke report, no fire was detected in the area. The area will be patrolled for any fire activity throughout the day.

Categories: Active Wildfires, Alaska Fire Information, Alaska DNR – Division of Forestry (DOF)