Thunderstorms moving across Southwest Alaska on Friday brought much needed rain to some of the 28 fires in the area. Those thunderstorms also produced a significant amount of lightning, starting three new fires. Additional fires may be discovered. Lightning strikes can leave susceptible vegetation smoldering until sunshine and wind can bring them to life. These delayed fires are called lightning holdovers. Detection flights are scheduled for Saturday along with reconnaissance flights to check on fires in monitor status across the region.
One of the new starts, Cribby Creek Fire (#201) was reported by Air Attack burning in a modified response area on a ridgetop 3 miles north of Red Devil. Helitack was launched from Aniak and deployed its firefighting crew members and started bucket work. Smokekjumpers were requested along with two retardant tankers. The helicopter worked through three refueling cycles delivering bucket loads of water to support ground forces working on the southern portion of the fire. The tankers dropped three loads of retardant to slow the fire’s progression that showed protentional to spread to the south. Eight smokejumpers will remain on the fire working to stop its progression towards valuable assets along the Kuskokwim River. The fire is estimated at 150 acres. It will be one of the six fires managed by the Type 3 organization coordinating firefighting efforts in the Southwest area.
Another new start, Crater Mountain Fire (#206), 18 miles west of Takotna between Ganes and Beaver creeks, was reported by a mining camp in the area. Helitack responded from McGrath, deployed its firefighting crew members and started bucket work. A retardant tanker responded to help slow the growth of the fire as 12 smokejumpers were deployed. The fire is estimated to be 1,000 acres and is burning in a full response area.
The third new start, Beaver Creek Fire (#210), is 29 miles southwest of McGrath and east of the Takotna River. It is estimated to be 50 acres and located in a modified response area. Helitack was dispatched from McGrath but was unable to find a safe landing zone or suitable water source. This fire will be monitored by fire managers who will develop a plan for response if needed.
Below is an update of action taken Friday on fires managed by the Type 3 organization in Southwest Alaska. Personnel assigned and acreages have been updated to reflect the most recent numbers.
South Fork George River Fire (#172) – 8.5 miles northeast of Georgetown in a modified response area, is estimated to be 6,000 acres. A reconnaissance flight reported the fire showing areas of heat and smoke on the north end along the East Fork George River. The Type 3 organization will be assessing Native allotments in the area as they develop a response plan as more firefighting resources become available in the region.
Eightmile Creek Fire (#171) – 8 miles west of Red Devil, south of the Kuskokwim River, in a full response area. It is estimated to be 2,041 acres. A reconnaissance flight reported no visible smoke, but satellite observations still detect areas of heat. Rain was reported on the north end of the fire. This fire will continue to be monitored. There will be no additional updates provided here unless significant activity occurs.
Downey Creek Fire (#170) – 2.5 miles south of Georgetown in a modified response area and is estimated to be 108 acres. A reconnaissance flight reported no visible smoke and the fire area received heavy rain. This fire will be placed in monitor status. There will be no additional updates provided here unless significant activity occurs.
Portage Fire (#169) – 5.5 miles southwest of Georgetown, south of the Kuskokwim River, in a full response area and is estimated to be 1,500 acres. Twelve smokejumpers continue to protect several allotments in the area of the fire. The BLM Alaska Fire Service Chena Hotshot Crew and the U.S. Forest Service R-10 Crew are responding to the fire Saturday. Once in place the smokejumpers will be released and returned to base so they can be ready for initial attack responses.
Oskawalik River Fire (#158) – 14.5 miles south of Crooked Creek, south of the Oskawalik River, in a limited response area and is estimated to be 200 acres. A reconnaissance flight reported no visible smoke and no nearby values at risk. There will be no additional updates provided here unless significant activity occurs.
Additional active fires in Southwest Alaska follow with Friday updates to personnel and acreage.
Flat Creek Fire (#178) – 1.75 miles south of Flat mining area airstrip in a full response area, estimated to be 36 acres. 15 personnel assigned. Air reconnaissance and smokejumpers working on the fire report no visible smoke. Firefighters continue to grid the fire area searching for and extinguishing areas of heat. The fire is contained and controlled. Demobilization of resources is being planned.
Mishevik Slough Fire (#175) – 7.5 miles southwest of Tuluksak on the west side of the Kuskokwim River in a full response area and is estimated to be 67.4 acres. All resources have been released from the fire and it has been placed into monitor status. There will be no additional updates provided here unless significant activity occurs.
Big Yetna Fire (#174) – 25.25 miles east of Shageluk in a limited response area and is estimated to be 3,500 acres. Minimal smoke was visible on the north end of the fire. The southern portion of the fire received rain. McGrath helitack completed structure protection for the Iditarod Trail safety cabin and were released from the fire Friday. This fire has been placed into monitor status. There will be no additional updates provided here unless significant activity occurs.
Meadow Creek Fire (#168) & Lower Meadow Creek Fire (#167) – 25 miles north of Medfra in a limited response area. The two fires have merged, and the estimated combined acreage is 9,000 acres. A reconnaissance flight reported moderate fire activity on the southern end of the fire with rain falling on the northern end. These fires are in monitor status. There will be no additional updates provided here unless significant activity occurs.
Owhat River Fire (#165) – 17 miles north of Chuathbaluk in a modified response area and is estimated to be 700 acres. No smoke has been visible from the fire and the area has received scattered rain. This fire is in monitor status. There will be no additional updates provided here unless significant activity occurs.
Muskeg Creek Fire (#163) – 3 miles west of Stoney River Lodge in a modified response area and is estimated to be247 acres. This fire has been placed in monitor status. There will be no additional updates provided here unless significant activity occurs.
Togiak River Fire (#161) – 5.5 miles south of Togiak Lake in a limited response area and is estimated to be 596 acres. No fire activity has been reported. The area has received scattered rain showers. This fire has been placed in monitor status. There will be no additional updates provided here unless significant activity occurs.
Ivy Creek Fire (#156) – 14.5 miles north of McGrath in a modified response area and is estimated to be 80 acres with 95% containment. 28 personnel assigned. Firefighters have mopped up a 50-foot-wide swath into the burned area along the fire’s perimeter. Their goal is a 100-feet wide area with no heat or available fuels that could ignite and escape their containment lines.
American Creek Fire (#143) – 6 miles south of Nonvianuk Lake in a limited response area and is estimated to be 150 acres. This fire is actively burning despite rains in the area. A reconnaissance flight is planned for Saturday. This fire is in monitor status. There will be no additional updates provided here unless significant activity occurs.
There are 13 additional fires burning in limited management areas that will continue to be monitored by the Southwest Area DOF office. The Division of Forestry & Fire Protection will continue to share information about the fires in Southwest Alaska as it becomes available from reconnaissance flights and ground resources.
For more information on fire response management options in Alaska, visit https://forestry.alaska.gov/fire/fireplans.
For more information on active fires in Alaska, read the daily Alaska Interagency Coordination Center Situation Report found online here, https://fire.ak.blm.gov/content/aicc/sitreport/AICC%20Situation%20Report.pdf
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 