Watch videos and fire footage at the Shovel Creek Fire YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2L4Qc7M

Current Statistics:

Size: 21,298 acres      Containment: 50%       Personnel: 470    Start Date: June 21, 2019       Cause: Lightning

Crews continue to make steady progress towards containing the Shovel Creek Fire.  Progress was especially strong along the southern fire line near the Martin neighborhood. Yesterday, an infrared drone flew the fire line along Old Murphy Dome road and the western fire edge helping identify areas of hot spots along the fire perimeter. The infrared footage showed the progress made so far and helped focus firefighter’s efforts where there are concentrated areas of smoldering fire to extinguish. Crews along the Chatanika River near the eastern corner of the fire are working to further mop-up the line along the river.

As containment increases, crews and helicopters are busy packing up and moving equipment back from the fire line. Over 20 miles of fire hose has been removed from the line, but this is just the beginning of this back haul process. This equipment will be refurbished and ready for use on other fires. Once again, rain hit parts of the fire area bringing up to a quarter of an inch of rain to some of the western areas. This continued moisture has helped keep the duff layer damp, reducing fire activity.  

Alaska Department of Transportation will resume planned road projects along the Spinach Creek road today.

Northern Rockies Team 6, managing the fire, has recommended that the Fairbanks North Star Borough remove all evacuation levels.  The Fairbanks North Star Borough has lifted the Level 1 evacuations notice from McCloud, Martin and Perfect Perch neighborhoods. There are no evacuations notices in place for the Shovel Creek Fire area at this time.

Smoke in the Fairbanks areas has improved over the past few days. The respite room at the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital has closed, but will be ready to re-open if air quality worsens.  Stay up-to-date on current air quality information by visiting: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/Alaska

RESOURCES: 2 hotshot crews, 6 Type 2 hand crews, 12 engines, 3 dozers, 7 helicopters, and 5 water tenders

WEATHER:  A shift to westerly winds will usher in cooler air today with temperatures expected in the mid 60s. Rain showers will still be possible for much of the day. This cooler trend is expected to end on Sunday and temperatures will climb back up to 70 by Monday. For more information on smoke and air quality, visit: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/Alaska

CLOSURES: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place in the air space over the fire. Pilots are advised to check NOTAMS at: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_9_5441.html

Shovel Creek Fire Information
Fire Information: 907-347-6801
Email: 2019.ShovelCreek@firenet.gov
Shovel Creek Fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6400/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AK.Forestry/
Web: www.akfireinfo.com
YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/2L4Qc7M

Video credit: Northern Rockies Team 6/AFS Alaska Fire Service/DNR Alaska Division of Forestry. 
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Categories: AK Fire Info