Current Situation: Yesterday the Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of the #HessCreekFire. Firefighters continued patrolling the fire, mostly on the southern end near the Elliott Highway. Structures in this area have had vegetation removed and systems of pumps, hoses, sprinklers, and portable water tanks installed near some of them. Firefighters checked these systems, and ran the pumps to keep portable water tanks full. They also inspected the hoses and sprinklers. The purpose of this work is to ensure these systems will be ready if the fire moves toward these structures.

Firefighters also began developing detailed plans to conduct possible burnout operations to remove fuel in front of the main fire if it begins growing. They have identified certain locations where this tactic may be valuable and were scouting these areas yesterday.

Fire Behavior and Weather: Black spruce and feather moss respond to changing weather conditions because they can dry and become more flammable very quickly. A ridge of high pressure brought warm sunny weather yesterday that allowed this vegetation to dry and the fire became a little more active with isolated torching of trees. The ridge of high pressure will gradually move north and weaken this week. Tonight, southwest winds will shift and blow from the north. The warm and dry weather should continue through Wednesday followed by a chance for cooler and wetter weather and some thunderstorms later in the week.

Public Awareness: For current road conditions, go to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities’ 511.alaska.gov website. Stay up-to-date on current air quality information by visiting https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/Alaska.  

Start Date: June 21, 2019
Cause: Lightning
Location: Ignition approximately 12 miles northeast of Livengoood, AK
Acreage: 173,467
Percent Contained: 0%
Personnel: 84

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

Categories: AK Fire Info