Wet, smoky conditions persist over the Oregon Lakes Fire

By Alaska Fire PIOs on June 1, 2019

Photo of a group of firefighting personnel receiving their briefing on a rainy morning. Supplies and other equipment are in the background. The briefing is not only for those pictured, it is also transmitted by radio to those in the field or on the line. Photo by Maggie Demers. — A rainy morning briefing on June 1, 2019. The briefing is not only for those pictured, it is also transmitted by radio to those in the field or on the line. Photo by Maggie Demers.

Start Date: April 30, 2019
Acres: 31,850
Personnel assigned: 124
Crews assigned: 2 – (Gannett Glacier & Tanana Chiefs Type 2 IA)
Cause: human, under investigation

DELTA JUNCTION, Alaska – Wetting rains moderated fire activity on the Oregon Lakes Fire Friday, but caused damp, smoky conditions for the greater surrounding area. This change in weather was timely for the fire’s transition from a Type 2 incident to a Type 3, or less complex, incident. Acreage gained reflects the growth that happened on May 30.

While rain and higher humidities have greatly impacted the fire in the open and hardwood areas, heat is sheltered in the spruce and duff – the layer of partially decomposed leaves, twigs and bark beneath the understory. Because it is still early in the fire season, expect the fire to become more active and produce smoke once conditions become warm and dry.

With a temporary lull in fire activity, home and property owners statewide are reminded to take proactive measures to create defensible space (please visit firewise.org for more information).

Fire crews have made significant progress on fuelbreaks near groups of cabins in the Richardson Clearwater and South Bank communities. Fuelbreaks and structure protection efforts at Whitestone were completed earlier this week. All sprinkler and hose installations in these areas have been completed.

Fire managers continue to coordinate with U.S. Army Alaska personnel to maintain pumps and sprinklers located at military observation points on the western side of the fire.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place. The TFR is designed to protect aerial transportation and suppression efforts related to the fire from interference from private, commercial, military or drones of any kind.

Weather Forecast: Widespread showers will continue and winds are expected to be light. Smoke may continue to be heavy and drivers are advised to use caution and keep headlights on when traveling through areas of dense smoke.

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