Blog

Jul 10, 2023

Fires more active in Alaska Interior, warmer and drier days ahead

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on August 2, 2023 Forecasted warm, drying weather increased fire activity across the region as anticipated. 5 new fires started in the Interior and

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on August 2, 2023

Forecasted warm, drying weather increased fire activity across the region as anticipated. 5 new fires started in the Interior and several staffed fires grew. Additional air resources and firefighters that arrived in the Interior over the weekend helped to hold existing lines and respond to new starts. 51,000 acres have burned statewide. There are currently 136 active fires: 53 in critical or full protection and 83 in limited management zones. Burn permits remain suspended in Fairbanks, Delta, and Tok due to Very High Fire Danger and fire activity in the region.

HIGHLIGHTED FIRE ACTIVITY

McCoy Creek (#201) – [5,000 acres] River mile 29, Salcha River. Crews continued hose lay, saw line, and cabin protection. Aviation worked the flanks of the fire to protect and assist firefighters on the ground. Evacuation levels remain in place from the Fairbanks North Star Borough. (87 personnel)

Mosquito Creek (#290) – [35 acres] 5 miles east of Harding Lake. The Yukon crew joined personnel on scene and worked alongside aerial resources to further suppression efforts. Firefighters received significant help from the Black Hawk again yesterday. (23 personnel)

Anderson Complex (#899) – [8,000+ acres] Anderson-Clear area. Fire activity is expected to continue to increase across the fires as warming and drying persists through the next week. Resources are making good progress securing structures. Evacuation levels remain in place from the Denali Borough. (199 personnel)

Standard Creek (#279) – [7+ acres] 7 miles west of Fairbanks. Helicopters and Fire Bosses conducted bucket work and water drops. 8 smokejumpers are working on containing the fire. Their efforts are to protect structures along the Old Nenana Highway, Standard creek road and Parks Highway. A Type 4 Incident Commander, crew and overhead are on order.(8 personnel)

Murphy Creek (#320) – [50 acres] South of the Chatanika River. A helicopter reported a new fire burning in continuous black spruce 16 miles west of Mile 5 Elliott Highway. Super Scoopers responded and 5 deployed smokejumpers began constructing saw line and remained on the fire overnight. (5 personnel)

Pogo Mine Road (#191) – [15,838 acres] 9 miles down Pogo Road. Tanana Chiefs Crew and DOF personnel continue working to protect Pogo Mine Road, the Pogo Gold Mine, Quartz Lake, and timber. (25 personnel)

Elliott Group – [54 acres] North of Old Murphy Dome Road, Fairbanks. Firefighters continue working with assistance of aerial resources to further suppression efforts on the Our Creek (#271), Sargent Creek (#255), Olnes Pond (#250), and Treasure Creek (#265) fires. (88 personnel)

Categories: Active Wildland Fire

Tags: 2023 Alaska Fire Season, Anderson Complex, Elliott Group, McCoy Creek Fire, Mosquito Creek Fire, Murphy Creek FIre, Olnes Pond Fire, Our Creek Fire, Pogo Mine Road Fire, Sargent Creek Fire, Standard Creek Fire, Teklanika River Fire