Blog

Jul 12, 2023

Mop up and backhaul operations continue on staffed fires in the Interior; 12 power line fires were caught and contained over the weekend

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on August 28, 2023 There were 12 new power line fires that started between Tok and Delta over the weekend from gusty chinook winds that impacted the

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on August 28, 2023

There were 12 new power line fires that started between Tok and Delta over the weekend from gusty chinook winds that impacted the eastern Interior. All 12 fires were contained or put out by Division of Forestry & Fire Protection and power company personnel. The Fairbanks North Star Borough reduced all evacuation levels along the Salcha River to Level 1 “Be Ready” due to reduced threat on the McCoy Creek Fire and Alaska State Parks reopened the Salcha River State Recreation Site to the public. 213 firefighters and personnel remain assigned to 6 staffed fires and 297,723 acres have burned statewide.

HIGHLIGHTED FIRE ACTIVITY

Anderson Complex (#899) – [58,933 acres | 92% completed] Anderson-Clear area. Firefighters continued to mop up remaining heat on the fires and pulling structure protection equipment from cabins. Helicopters are doing bucket work in areas still showing heat. A lot of trees are still falling in the fire areas, creating a hazard for firefighters and dry piles of fuel that are conducive to flare-ups. Pumps and hose are left on cabins near areas of fire where heat remains. Suppression repair work on the fire lines has been completed and approved. (60 personnel)

McCoy Creek (#201) – [14,060 acres | 90% completed] River mile 29, Salcha River. The Fairbanks North Star Borough reduced all evacuation levels along the Salcha River to Level 1 “Be Ready” due to reduced threat. Alaska State Parks reopened the Salcha River State Recreation Site to the public. White Mountain Crew and overhead remain on the fire. Firefighters continue pulling structure protection from cabins and addressing areas of heat that remain in the area. Helitack modules continue securing the west side of the fire, opening up hot areas as they work the edge. (39 personnel)

Pogo Mine Road (#191) – [48,792 acres | 72% completed] 9 miles down Pogo Road. The northwest corner of the fire was secured from Pogo Mine Road around Homestead; pump and hose were pulled from that location. There was a slight increase in fire activity due to windy conditions over the weekend. Suppression repair is being completed as needed. (32 personnel)

Lost Horse Creek (#296) – [9,317 acres | 95% completed] North of Old Murphy Dome Road, 3.5 miles east of Mile 18 Elliot Highway. Wet and windy weather returned to the fire area on Sunday. Repair work of helispots is complete; repair of dozer line and drop off points continue. (20 Personnel)

Sand Lake (#261) – [130 acres | 85% completed] 6 miles northwest of Dot Lake. Crews finished pulling all the hoses and pumps from the fire. Crews are cutting and removing fuel and continue mopping up and gridding for heat around the perimeter. (61 personnel)

Mount Hayes (#299) – [6,720 acres | 90% completed] 24 miles southeast of Delta Junction. The fire has shown no acreage change and minimal activity since August 26 and will be moved into monitor status. (1 personnel)

Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)

Tags: 2023 Alaska Fire Season, Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, Anderson Complex, Lost Horse Creek Fire, McCoy Creek Fire, Mount Hayes Fire, Pogo Mine Road Fire, Sand Lake Fire