Aerial devices, firefighters respond to new fires across state jurisdictions – Alaska Wildland Fire Update

Three new fires were reported in Alaska’s conservation jurisdiction on Thursday. There are 15 managed fires statewide.

Today’s weather will be cloudy, with showers and thunderstorms. The smoky areas will be most in the inner and eastern parts. Temperatures will remain similar to yesterday with highs around 80 degrees.

Burn suspensions remain in effect in the Mat-Su, Valdez/Copper River, Fairbanks, Delta and Tok areas. The suspensions will remain in effect until conditions improve.

DOF New fires:

Last Chance Creek Fire (No. 305) 11 miles east of Fox near the Fort Knox Gold Mine was reported by a private pilot flying over the area at 5:51 p.m. Friday. DOF engines and aircraft responded quickly to the 2-acre fire. Paratroopers and a helicopter crew were able to get on the scene and, with the help of retardant tankers, fire chiefs and cleanup crews, worked into the early morning to knock down the fire overnight. Firefighters will continue to work through Saturday to contain the remaining edge of the fire.

Old Rich Fire (No. 304) A car fire was reported 3.7 miles northwest of the North Pole and spread to trees. The North Star Fire Department and DOF engines were able to contain this fire to 1 acre. The fire has been contained and will be monitored.

Eklutna Fire (#302) Department of Environmental Protection officers responded to the call 12 miles east of Chuigiak. This fire was reported as an outbreak during the period of suspension of burning permits. The DOF engine was unable to locate any fire, but did locate a small fire burning in the trash. The fire was quickly extinguished and declared. This fire will be placed on monitor status.

DOF planted:

Gold King Creek Fire (#276) 46 miles south of Fairbanks and is estimated to be 2,626 acres. Paratroopers and Yukon crews continued to assess and reduce fuel around the structure and deploy hoses and sprinkler systems. Air assets assisted in the fire response yesterday afternoon as fire activity increased and the fire moved toward the cabins. Firefighters will remain on scene to extinguish the fire and provide point protection for cabins in the area.

Totchaket Slough Fire (#297)15 miles north of Nenana and estimated at 1 acre. Supplies were delivered to the fire department by helicopter and fuel trucks were available as needed. Handlines and hoses have been placed around the fire as Fairbanks 1 crews continue to clean up. The fire was reported to have been contained and crews will begin demobilizing equipment and resources later in the day. This fire will be placed on monitored status and crews will be available for other new fires in the state.

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

Tags: Eklutna Fire, Gold King Creek Fire, Last Chance Creek Fire, Old Richardson Fire, Totchaket Slough Fire