Yesterday afternoon, at approximately 4 p.m. thundercells moved directly over the fire area and crews halted work and firing operations due to safety concerns with erratic winds and extreme fire behavior due to dry conditions.  A small amount of rain has fallen on the fire area in isolated pockets. Crews continued to secure and mop-up the indirect line between the Draanjik River and Chahalie Lake to protect structures and allotments. Pockets of unburned fuel within the fire area continue to burn. A drone equipped with an infrared camera continues to prove invaluable for looking for hot spots along the fire perimeters.

As protecting Chalkyitsik is our highest priority, today crews continue work to secure the line the vicinity of Ohtig Lake working north along indirect lines. Mop up activities continue between the Draanjik River and Chahalie Lake along with Point protection of structures within the river corridor. Fire crews will support initial attack in the Upper Yukon Zone as requested. Assessing structures within the river corridors as visibility permits.

A Dense Smoke Advisory issued by the National Weather Service is in effect until 6pm, Friday, July 26, 2019 in the vicinity of the Chalkyitsik Complex.  Visibility one mile or less. Smoke cover throughout the day with sunny skies, shifting to party sunny in the afternoon and cooler temperatures. Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in the late afternoon will initiate east of the fire and move over the fire in the evening bringing gusty and variable winds. An Air Quality Advisory has been issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.

Categories: AK Fire Info