While Fairbanks experienced rain on Sunday, fire crews working in Chalkyitsik experienced “hot and dry weather”, said Chalkyitsik Plans Chief, Mike Butteri. Crews continue to secure line and the western perimeter between Chahalie Lake and Ohtig Lake and complete firing operations south of Chalkyitsik along indirect dozer line to the southeastern corner of Ohtig Lake. The three new Lower 48 fire crews experienced their first day on the Alaska fireline, mentored by Alaska firefighters, a day of boat and helicopter operations, bear safety and a boots on the ground welcome to the unique conditions fighting rural fires in Alaska.  

Incident Commander Norm McDonald, said, “Conditions continue to be challenging with the hot dry weather, smoke and extreme fuel dryness. Crews are working hard to meet objectives”.  Weather for the fire area will be partly sunny with areas of smoke. High temperatures reaching up to 80F with Southwest winds around 5-9mph. Isolated showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon with gusty, erratic winds.

Camp crews are assisting with the backhaul of fire equipment to Fairbanks as burned over pumps and hoselays are removed from the fire area. Chalkyitsik residents have been hired to work as camp crew.  Boat operations continue to be critical to fire suppression along the Draanjik river corridor, with low water levels limiting access to some locations. Allotments and cabins within the fire perimeter are checked when smoke and fire activity allow accessibility with point protection continuing to protect structures and allotments at risk. Constructing fireline around a single allotment can take 3-5 days.

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KZPA 900 AM radio in Fort Yukon 12:50pm Broadcast. One Public Information Officer is stationed in Chalkyitsik.  Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): https://tfr.faa.gov.

Categories: AK Fire Info