Bean Complex Update July 4, 2022
Yesterday scattered thunderstorms produced isolated rainfall, lightning, and some strong winds over the fire area. Although the wind helped to clear away some smoke, it was strong enough to keep helicopters on the ground, limiting air operations. Firefighters are implementing a system for logistic support along the Tanana River using boats out of Manley Hot Springs.
Given the continued warm and dry conditions and the threat of lightning, a Red Flag Warning is in effect for the fire area through midnight Monday. Thunderstorms may produce gusty and erratic winds. Conditions will gradually moderate through the upcoming week, with a chance for daily showers and thunderstorms.
The Bean Complex fires are burning in the Tanana Valley west of Fairbanks extending to the Cosna River. The fires are burning primarily in black spruce, most in areas with no record of fire in the past 50 years. There are 261 people assigned to these fires. Of the five fires in the 122,965-acre complex, four are under a point zone protection- strategy which consists of taking steps to protect sites of value such as cabins, lodges and Native allotments.
- The #310 Tanana River Fire is at 16,469 acres. In the Deadman’s Lake area, resources are working to protect approximately 37 structures. As weather and smoke conditions allow, firefighters are conducting extensive burning out along the east edge of the Tolovana River to keep the fire east of the river. Resources continue mop up behind firing operations in the Tolovana Roadhouse area [IE(1] as well as improving a trail to be used as a secondary fuel break between there and Deadman’s Lake.
- The #312 Bitzshitini Fire is at 38,197 acres. The northwestern side of this fire is relatively inactive. The southwestern side is showing moderate activity. Smokejumpers continue to mop up around the cabins to the north and east of this fire. Point protection remains a priority on this fire, and firing operations will be utilized as necessary to keep the fire in check.
- The #315 Chitanana Fire is at 51,540 acres. Crews continue mopping up around the cabins, allotments, and other structures in the area and conducting firing operations as necessary.
- The #343 Dragon Fire is at 6,422 acres. Protection of the structures around Mooseheart Lake continue as the fire maintains a pattern of steady growth each day.
Significant growth of all fires but Hutlinana is expected over the next several days. Today’s operations include assessing the effects of yesterday’s wind and lightning on the fire area.
The State Forester for the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) issued an Emergency Burn Closure Order on July 1, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. It restricts all burning that requires a local or state burn permit, including uncontained cooking, warming, and signaling fires. The Alaska Department of Public Safety has restricted the use of fireworks across much of Alaska. Please refer to www.dps.alaska.gov to see if you’re impacted. With the present risk of thunderstorms, please do your part to prevent new fires. Any new ignitions will continue to impact available resources. Be very careful with off-highway vehicle travel or any other potential source of ignition.
For more information, contact Bean Complex at email: 2022.bean@firenet.gov; or 503-894-6694
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 