FINAL UPDATE: 8:30 pm — An outside electrical accident, sending sparks into dry grass, has been determined to be the cause. Driven by gusty winds the fire rapidly spread into a stand of black spruce. Groups of trees were observed torching and casting embers into the wind, igniting multiple spot fires. Several spots grew together as the fire quickly spread. Once the hotshots finished the saw line around the main fire and two smaller spots, it measured approximately 1 acre.
The Chena Hotshots will remain into the evening insuring the perimeter is cold out and work into the interiors of each spot seeking out and extinguishing pockets of fuel still smoldering. They will make a final grid of the fire before being released tonight.
A quick response from DOF, University Fire Department, Chena Hotshots and the support of two water dropping helicopters stopped this fire before it damaged any of the nearby residences. Dry conditions persist in many areas of Alaska and will continue into the weekend. A Burn Permit Suspension remains in place for the Fairbanks area.
6:00 pm – The incident commander on scene reports the Lawlor Fire is nearly contained with no further growth expected. A second helicopter is also working to cool down the remaining hotspots. Firefighters will remain on scene completing their containment line and mopping up any remaining sources of heat. Located in a Critical Fire Management area this fire will be completely extinguished and monitored before calling it out.
5:45 pm: Firefighters are making good progress. Most of the fire is knocked down and is estimated to be five acres. The helicopter continues to work on hotspots. University Fire Department is assisting DOF. The BLM-Alaska Fire Service Chena Hotshot crew has also arrived on scene.
4:55 pm This aerial photo of the #LawlorFire (#137) is looking south down Miller Hill Road towards the Parks Highway.
Alaska DNR-Division of Forestry (DOF) firefighters are on scene of a wildfire north of Fairbanks off Miller Hill Road, north of Yankovich Road.
Please stay clear of the area.
Initial Attack size up estimates the fire to be 4 acres burning in black spruce and matted grass. A helicopter with a water dropping bucket is supporting firefighters on the ground.
This post will be updated as information comes available.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 