Scattered rain showers over night were reported on portions of the Zitziana River (#133) and Mooseheart (#204) fires. Forecasted weather calls for mostly cloudy skies and scattered thunderstorms over the area of both fires today.
Smokejumpers are positioned on Iksgiza Lake to assess and prepare cabins for structure protection should the need arise. Firefighters continue to improve firelines and point protection for cabins and homes on Kindamina and Mooseheart lakes, along with Native allotments and cabins along the Tanana River. An Unmanned Aerial System with an infrared camera was used to detect hotspots in areas being mopped up.
Fire map showing perimeters of Manley area fires.
The Zitziana River Fire remains at an estimated 34,380 acres and the Mooseheart Fire is an estimated 53,365 acres. The two lightning-caused wildfires are approximately 100 miles west of Fairbanks and 8 miles south of Manley Hot Springs. There are 122 personnel assigned to the fire.
A temporary flight restriction (TFR) remains in place over the Mooseheart and Zitziana River fires. Pilots should go to http://tfr.faa.gov/ to check NoTAMS before flying anywhere in the area.
Elsewhere around the state, the Alaska Division of Forestry conducted a reconnaissance flight Monday over the Southwest Area where it provides wildland fire protection. It is an area that is roughly 88 million acres, stretching from McGrath to Lake Clark and including the Kuskokwim River Delta. Of the 29 active fires in the area, 17 were observed and minimal activity was reported on all fires flown. One fire was called out, leaving 28 active fires in the area. There are 84 active fires in Alaska.
There is currently only one other staffed fire in the state:
Louise Creek Coal Seam 2018 Fire (#254) – 778 acres, 44 personnel, 5 miles northeast of Healy, started by a coal seam fire on June 19. Due to the hazards presented by coal seam fires, fire managers are employing a confine and monitor strategy on the fire, which is burning in a fire scar from previous coal seam fires. Work on improving an old dozer line is complete. It will serve as an indirect containment line on the west size of the fire, from Walker Dome to Lignite Creek. A hose lay will remain in place in the unlikely event fire activity increases and crews need to return. Both crews and overhead personnel assigned to the fire will be released and demobilized today.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF), BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 