Home › Active Wildland Fire › Hess Creek Fire grows to 170,293 acres – Fire Update 7/14/19

Hess Creek Fire grows to 170,293 acres – Fire Update 7/14/19

By Alaska Fire PIOs on July 14, 2019

The reduction in smoke allowed operation personnel to fly the 127-mile perimeter of the #HessCreekFire on Saturday. The south edge of the fire received moisture for the second consecutive day. It continues to smolder just north of the Mercantile; slowly backing down through the hardwoods. However, the northern edge of the fire, which did not get as much precipitation, was seen making several runs through the dry black spruce. Most of the 12,253-acreage increase is being attributed to growth on the north side and the accurate mapping completed Saturday via helicopter.

During the break in fire activity, firefighters bolstered containment lines around the eight acres, which spotted across the Elliott Highway Tuesday night. Firefighters deployed hoses, sprinklers and pumps at the Remote Automatic Weather Station (RAWS) station to prevent damage should the fire cross the highway again. Structure protection remains in place for the cabins north of the highway in the form of hose lays, sprinklers, pumps and other equipment. Firefighters are on hand to deploy those tools should the need arise. Fire crews also began assessing structures north of the West Fork of the Tolovana River.

Fire Behavior and Weather: Scattered thunderstorms and lightning continued throughout the day. The Red Flag Warning for the interior of Alaska was lifted Friday night. Moderate lightning is expected to continue for the next few days. Higher relative humidity from rainfall near the fire and cooler temperatures contributed to improved fuel conditions for today. Thunderstorms will continue to produce frequent lightning, small hail and gusty winds.

Public Awareness: Rains reduced smoke in the area, which improved conditions along the Elliott Highway. However, firefighters and several engines will continue monitoring the highway searching for potential hot spots. The public should remain cautious while driving through the Livengood area. For current road conditions, go to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities’ 511.alaska.gov website. The public is 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.

There is a fire prevention order in place for BLM-managed lands in the Central Yukon Field and BLM Eastern Interior Field Offices. All open pit fires, explosives and fireworks are prohibited on public lands. For updates or additional information about the fire prevention order, contact the BLM Central Yukon Field Office at 907-474-2200 or visit www.blm.gov/afs/fire-restrictions.

Start Date: June 21
Cause: Lightning
Location: Ignition 12 miles northeast of Livengood, AK
Size: 170,293 acres
Percent Contained: 0%
Total Personnel: 78

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/BLMAFS