East Fork Fire final update

By EastForkFire on June 25, 2022

St. Mary’s AK- Growth of the East Fork Fire has significantly slowed within the last several days. The current size of the fire is 166,587 acres. There is a low level of activity on the fire’s northern edge, characterized by creeping, smoldering and backing downhill. Fire officials have determined that the communities of St. Mary’s, Pilot Station and Mountain Village are not threatened by the fire.

The remaining fire activity in the wilderness on the East Fork Fire June 24, roughly 5 miles from the nearest allotment along the Andreafsky River.

Several allotments located in the wilderness along the Andreafsky River are still considered at potential risk from the residual heat in the wilderness portion of the fire, however the nearest cabin is still nearly 5 miles away. These allotments have been prepared for wildfire. Should the fire push in that direction, firefighters can be dispatched to provide additional protection.

Over the next several days, lower temperatures and additional moisture is forecast to move into the Yukon Delta area, further reducing the risk.

This area contained active fire on June 22, and by the time this photo was taken on June 24 had backed down the hill and naturally moderated.

A reconnaissance flight over the Apoon Pass Fire on June 24 revealed no visible smoke or activity anywhere on the fire. Natural barriers surrounding the Apoon Pass Fire have halted fire growth, and the fire is no longer considered to be active.

The Rogue River Interagency Hotshot Crew, Lakeview Helitack crew, and several overhead personnel remain on the fire to clean up the areas surrounding St. Mary’s. Deconstruction of pumps, hoses and water handling equipment is underway, as well as fire suppression repair. Demobilization of the remaining resources will occur once these objectives are met.

Today’s East Fork Fire Update is the final planned online report, unless significant changes occur.

Continue to keep apprised of fires in the area and air quality at: https://fire.airnow.gov/ and check local smoke conditions from the Purple Air sensor based at the St. Mary’s Elementary School at: https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0#6.32/62.003/-162.442

For More information on the East Fork and Apoon Pass Fires:

Alaska Interagency Wildfire Information Office Phone: (907) 356-5511

Alaska Coordination Center: https://fire.ak.blm.gov/

Facebook: facebook.com/BLMAFS

Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8148/