Current Situation: Higher relative humidity and slightly lower temperatures helped reduce fire intensity and minimize growth on the #HessCreekFire Wednesday. Firefighters put in saw line and laid hose while a helicopter conducted bucket drops to keep two spot fires from spreading along the south side of the Elliott Highway near MP 62; their efforts held the spot fires to approximately three acres. The Fred Blixt public use cabin is still intact, and the historic Livengood cemetery remained unscathed, though the fire burned around it. Additional resources, including two engines, are assisting with firefighting efforts. Firefighters continue to monitor cabins in the area and will activate pumps and sprinklers if necessary. Other crews are identifying and mapping structures on the ground.
Fire Behavior and Weather: A weather front is bringing slightly cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity to the area today and tomorrow. Portions of the fire experienced rain Wednesday, although not enough to significantly affect fire behavior. Thursday’s weather is anticipated to bring temperatures in the high 60s to mid-70s with a slight chance of rain. Heavy smoke on Wednesday delayed the helicopter’s departure from Fairbanks until late afternoon. For more information on smoke and air quality, visit https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/Alaska.
Public Awareness: Visibility on the Elliott Highway will be limited due to smoke as the fire continues to spread to the south. For current road conditions, go to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities’ 511.alaska.gov website.
Smoke will continue to be an issue with forecasted “unhealthy” air quality in the days ahead. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital has created a 24-hour smoke respite center in the Chandler Room at 1650 Cowles Street in Fairbanks. The public is also encouraged to minimize smoke exposure by staying indoors with the windows closed. Stay up-to-date on current air quality information by visiting: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/Alaska.
Ignition Date: 06/21/2019
Cause: Lightning
Location: 12 miles northeast of Livengood
Size: 159,429 acres
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 58
Hours of operation: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Contact Fire Information: 208-269-4413
Email: HessCreekFire2019@gmail.com
Website: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6404
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMAF
Categories: AK Fire Info, BLM Alaska Fire Service, Fire Weather
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 