There are currently 32 active fires in the Tanana Zone. A Distributed Real-Time Infrared (DRTI) flight confirmed a new spot fire based on previous smoke reports. The Warm Springs Fire is located south of the Boney Creek Fire and currently is not threatening any structures and is more than 20 miles from the closest allotment.
Boney Creek Fire (#619) – 45 acres, 36 personnel, started on July 18
The Boney Creek Fire was started by lightning and is burning about 10 miles southwest of the village of Tanana and about 2 miles southeast of the nearest allotments. Crews working in overcast and slightly windy conditions have successfully put saw line and hose lays around the entire fire perimeter and will focus on active interior heat today.
Little Creek Fire (#616) – 135 acres, 77 personnel, started on July 18
Minimal movement has occurred on the lightning-ignited Little Creek Fire. Smokejumpers put saw line in on the western and southern flanks of the fire with emphasis to prevent the fire from spreading. The fire is moving south away from Little Creek, burning through spruce and hardwood, increasing the risk of spot fires. Firefighters will be working to clear fuels and complete laying hose around the fire perimeter today.
Grouse Creek (#485) – 17,500 acres, 87 personnel, started on July 10 [includes Twin Ponds (#486) and Garnet Creek Fire (#576, 5,000 acres, started July 15)]
The Grouse Creek and Twin Pond fires are burning about 6 miles northeast of Rampart. Active fire behavior occurred when winds increased through the afternoon on Sunday. Fire movement was primarily to the northeast toward the Hess Creek drainage. The fire was slowly backing along the southern edge. Crews continue work near the community of Rampart, around the Hunter Creek mine and outer cabins and allotments. Additional fire growth is anticipated today as temperatures remain warm and wind picks up. Residents and visitors should remain vigilant to changes in wind direction and any significant increases in wind speed.
The Garnet Creek Fire, 12 miles southwest of Rampart, has burned 3,600 acres and is being monitored by the incident management team stationed at Rampart. As of Sunday, fire activity picked up on the northeast corner. The fire remains more than 6 miles away from two active mines.
Bergman Creek Fire (#312) – 42,300 acres, 8 personnel, started on July 21
The Bergman Creek Fire, located 28 miles southwest of Allakaket, is being monitored. The fire remains 2 to 3 miles from the nearest allotment. The north and northwest sides of the fire are holding in hardwood stands. A helicopter crew is assigned to continue monitoring the fire.
Foraker Fire (#389) – 46,294 acres, 5 personnel, started on June 26
The Foraker Fire, located in Denali National Park, is being monitored as it burns 18 miles west of Kantishna. A flight today will access fire activity.
Overall, fire behavior in the Tanana Zone was tempered by overcast conditions Friday and Saturday, allowing fire crews to make progress on protection activities. As a high pressure system moves toward central Interior, wind and temperatures are expected to increase. Southwest winds 10-20 mph are expected during the day. Wind gusts up to 25 mph may fan flames on the east side of the Tanana Zone, especially in the Upper Yukon Zone, and may increase fire activity.
Information on wildfire smoke predictions can be found at the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks website located at http://smoke.alaska.edu/.
For more information, contact the Alaska Interagency Fire Information Office at (208) 274-3316 or email 2019.AFS.FIRES@gmail.com.
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 