Tok Area Fires Update; July 17

By alaskajointinformationcenter on July 17, 2015

July 17, 2015: 11:00 a.m.
Tok Area Fires Update

(Tok, AK) – Containment lines on Tetlin Hills and Long Lake Fires will be tested today by predicted gusty winds from the southwest. An increase in fire activity is expected due to the warmer temperatures and elevated winds reactivating hotspots on both fires.

Long Lake Fire –– Warmer and drier weather has increased fire activity on the 23,430 acre Long Lake Fire. Due to the warming trend, smoke can be seen from the Alaska Highway. A palm infrared heat-detecting device was flown over the fire yesterday. Multiple hotspots were discovered during the flight and crews will be concentrated on those areas today. Containment percentage increased to 25 percent on northern perimeter, keeping fire from spreading north to the village of Northway. Firefighters continue to build line to secure structure protection efforts on the remote cabins on the east side of the fire and work down the west flank building line to Andrew Lake. The Tanana Chief Crew demobilized yesterday reducing the total amount of firefighters to 147 working on the Long Lake Fire.

Tetlin Hills Fire – Containment improved to 75% yesterday on the Tetlin Hills Fire primarily on the south and east perimeters. The fire has shown no growth for multiple days and remains at 1878 acres. Work continues on the northeast, east and west dozer lines to prevent fire spread. Afternoon winds are predicated today from the southwest up to 35 mph, firefighters are expecting an increase in fire behavior in areas that are still holding heat. Currently 125 firefighters are working on the Tetlin Hills Fire.

Chisana 2 Fire –– The Chisana 2 Fire was flown yesterday and mapped at 38,385 acres. Moderate activity was observed yesterday during a reconnaissance helicopter flight. Firefighters removed pumps, hoses, and other gear from the remote cabin sites due to the lack of threat. The will fire continue to be in monitoring status.

Contact: Public Information Officer, Sarah Saarloos at email: tokareafires@gmail.com or call 907-356-5511.

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FIRE INFORMATION RESOURCES:
Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/unit/210/
Fire Info: https://akfireinfo.com/ (907) 356-5511
Forestry Info: http://forestry.alaska.gov
http://www.facebook.com/AK.Forestry