June 11, 2022, Daily Update, 12:30 PM
STATS: 108,347 acres, 180 personnel
Start Date: May 31, 2022
Cause: Natural, Lightning
Fuels: Tundra, Riparian, Spruce
ST. MARY’S, Alaska. – Overnight the fire continued to grow south toward St. Mary’s but at a slower rate than it has been. The fire is currently four and a half miles away from the primary fireline and five miles from town. Last night at 2 AM, firefighters successfully implemented a defensive burnout, or firing operation, on the west side of the East Fork of the Andreafsky River to protect equipment and structures near the fish weir. They are currently burning on the east side of the weir to protect structures there.
Operations: Crews on the ground include the North Star, Big River, and Mooseheart Type 2 crews and the Chena Hot Shots. Additional crews have been ordered and are expected to arrive by Monday. Another checkline is being constructed between St. Mary’s and Mountain Village to further protect nearby allotments. Heavy equipment work continues to reinforce the contingency line north of the village. Existing lines are being reinforced and plumbed with hoses and pumps. Boats are moving personnel and equipment to protect structures upriver of St. Mary’s.
Fixed-wing aircraft have been reinforcing the contingency line directly around the village of St. Mary’s with retardant. Two helicopters are on site and another is on the way.
Today fire management was transferred to the Alaska Type 2 Green Incident Management Team led by Peter Butteri. Watch Incident Commander Peter Butteri describe today’s operations.
Evacuations: No mandatory evacuation order in place. Voluntary relocations are continuing for St. Mary’s, Mountain Village, Pitkas Point, and Pilot Station.
Ready: St. Mary’s and Pitkas Point are currently in “Ready” position.
Set, Go: No communities at this time.
Be Ready: Prepare your property by creating defensible space. Residents should clean up and relocate combustible material from around their homes. This could include moving or removing debris, loose fuel containers, vehicles, or any other ignition sources near homes. Remove objects near the home that could trap embers and ignite a home. Keep grass, trees, or other vegetation near houses trimmed and cleared away. Get Set: Prepare a “go-kit” including prescription medications, emergency supplies, important documents. Plan an evacuation route and keep up to date on the most current local emergency plans. Know where to find the most current information from local authorities. Go! Get your “go-kit” and leave by following planned routes before the wildfire reaches your community. Cooperate with local authorities to relocate and when to return to your home.
Weather: Hot, dry conditions and north winds continue today and tomorrow. A low pressure is moving in from the west that will likely result in moderating conditions including increased cloud cover, higher humidity, cooler temperatures, and a chance of showers by Monday. Importantly, the front may bring a wind switch to the southwest that would help push the fire away from the villages.
Smoke: Air Quality Advisory is in effect until June 12 at 12 PM. Air Quality will vary between GOOD and UNHEALTHY depending on wind flow and proximity to the fires.
Fire Information Contacts: East Fork Fire Information, 907-388-2159; 2022.eastfork@firenet.gov
Alaska Wildland Fire Information, BLM Alaska Fire Service Facebook page, and Inciweb-East Fork Fire
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 