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The Nugget Creek Fire (#323), burning east of Fairbanks, is now approximately 18,115 acres. A reduction in acreage is due to more accurate mapping that was obtained yesterday, July 19. Winds over the fire area produced small pockets of fire activity that generated smoke that was visible in the area. Firefighters are working along the northern boundary of the fire along Chena Hot Springs Road to ensure that it remains south of the road and Chena River.
The fire is located in the Chena River State Recreation Area, where it is creeping slowly into the scar from the 2013 Stuart Creek Fire on the west and the Rock Creek Fire scar from 2000 on the east. Growth on the fire is taking place predominately on the south and east flank.
The fire was started by lightning on June 21 and is burning south of Chena Hot Springs Road between mileposts 29 and 40. It has burned up to the edge of Chena River in many places, but has not crossed the river. It is burning in a limited protection area and is being monitored by firefighters along Chena Hot Springs Road to ensure that it remains south of the river and road.
The Nugget Creek public-use cabin, which is located on the east bank of the
South Fork Chena River within the fire perimeter, remains intact as of July 15, with pumps, hose and sprinklers in place for structure protection.
A new, lightning-caused fire (Wheeler Ridge #580) is burning several miles
southeast of the Nugget Creek Fire. Approximately 2 acres in size with minimal growth, the fire is burning in a limited protection area with no values at risk and is being monitored by air. Smoke from this fire may be visible from Chena Hot Springs Road and the surrounding area.
CLOSURES: Alaska State Parks has closed both the Nugget Creek public-use cabin and the Mastodon Trail leading to it until further notice. The trailhead is located at mile 38.6, Chena Hot Springs Road. The Granite Tors Trailhead and parking at mile 39 is also closed but river access at milepost 39 has been reopened, along with the Chena River public use cabin. The river access road at mile 37.7 remains closed. For more information on closures in the state rec area contact Alaska State Parks at 451-2695 or by email at brooks.ludwig@alaska.gov. For information on current road conditions, visit 511.alaska.gov.
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 