Yesterday crews began removing sprinkler systems from remote structures with a very low threat from the fire. They also began doing rehab work around these structures. Along the Elliot Highway and Livengood area, they were assessing the hazard of dead standing trees. These trees become a falling hazard when the fire damages roots that hold them up. Some along the Elliott Highway were cut down so they would not fall onto the road.

Today fire crews will continue looking for and assessing hazard trees while monitoring fire behavior which has been minimal with cool wet weather. They will also begin removing extra pumps and hoses and hauling them back to storage areas.

The incident management team began coordinating with another team managing the Grouse Creek Fire (about 25 miles west of the Hess Creek Fire) to provide logistical support as needed.

Fire Behavior and Weather: After steady rain all day Friday and cool cloudy weather yesterday, fire activity was minimal. More rain fell last night. Today and Monday will progressively be just a few degrees warmer and a little drier. Today will have cloudy and partly cloudy skies with a chance of some thunderstorms in the afternoon. Fire activity should be minimal again today.

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.  

Categories: AK Fire Info