It was another busy day for firefighters and aircraft on the Ninetyeight Creek Fire (#391) burning near Salcha as the fire in doubled in size on Thursday to an estimated 116 acres. BLM Alaska Fire Service Military Zone managers expect another active day as warm and dry conditions are predicted to continue through the end of the weekend.
The Ninetyeight Creek Fire is burning in an area north of the Salcha River. This photo was taken the night of June 27, 2019.
No structures are immediately threatened. Firefighters on the ground and aircraft are working hard to prevent this from changing. This includes two helicopters dipping buckets of water out of the nearby Salcha River and possibly water-scoopers out of the nearby Harding Lake. Because of the increased activity, for sake of both firefighter and the public safety, as a precaution we’re asking people to stay out of the area of operation from the Ninetyeight Creek at approximately 30 mile of the Salcha River upriver to Deep Creek.
On Thursday, firefighters had success using water-scooping aircraft to slow the growth of the fire. That aerial attack will continue today on the south and east flanks of the fire. In addition, crews are continuing their assessment of what’s needed to protect the numerous residences, recreational cabins, and other structures in the area. Additional crews and equipment are on order to support the firefighting effort. The six-person emergency firefighter squad from Minto and Tanana is due to arrive later today.
The Ninetyeight Creek Fire is burning in black spruce northeast of where Ninetyeight Creek flows into the Salcha River. This lightning-caused fire started on Wednesday. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect over the area to ensure the safety of those fighting the fire from the air.
For more information, contact the Alaska Interagency Fire Information Line at (907)356-5511.
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Map of Ninetyeight Mile Creek on June 27, 2019. Click on 20190628_391_ansiA_Landscape for PDF version of map.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 