During initial attack, firefighters worked to suppress two lightning-caused fires north of Fairbanks on Monday night. Smokejumpers from BLM Alaska Fire Service are scheduled to demob this afternoon, and State Division of Forestry & Fire Protection firefighters will continue to monitor the fires and area. The Fairbanks North Star Borough will maintain the Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation status for the Chatanika River Corridor and Hayes Creek area due to forecasted weather and the potential for undiscovered holdover fires from Monday evening’s lightning strikes.
Old Murphy Dome Rd Fire (#245)
Upon receiving a report from a private citizen about smoke and flames following a lightning strike off mile 68 of the Chatanika River, our aviation resources, smokejumpers, and Fairbanks Area Division of Forestry & Fire Protection initial attack firefighters swiftly responded. They quickly tackled the .25-acre fire burning in black spruce and mixed hardwoods, working tirelessly throughout the night to suppress the incident.
Aggie Creek Fire (#246)
While en route to the Old Murphy Dome Rd fire, our Helitack team discovered the additional Aggie Creek fire. They estimated the new start at .1 acres, which was burning in black spruce and mixed hardwoods. In response, the smokejumpers promptly reacted and successfully suppressed the incident throughout the night.
Washington Creek Fire (#247)
A Division of Forestry & Fire Protection engine spotted the incident from Murphy Dome and estimated the size to be 5-10 acres. Initial attack resources were responding to priority fires #245 and #246 through Monday night. DOF personnel will recon the fire on Tuesday for further information.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 