Lightning over the July 4th weekend ignited 10 new fires in the Upper Yukon Zone. The accompanying thunderstorms brought some limited precipitation which helped firefighters make significant progress on the six staffed fires in the zone.
Wind River Fire (#465) – Eight smokejumpers were deployed to the five acre fire on Monday which is burning approximately 27 air miles southwest of Arctic Village. Initial observations indicated that the fire’s edge was 30% active burning in black spruce and tundra. Firefighters reported that they have stopped the forward progress of the fire. 50% of the fire is being contained by a lake and hose lines have been laid around the remaining perimeter.
Schilling Creek Fire (#294) – Firefighters continue to see light erratic winds and isolated torching within the fire perimeter. They are protecting structures by clearing vegetation and increasing the defendable space. Firefighters on the ground have identified trigger points for firing operations if the fire directly threatens values at risk.
Bearman Fire (#444) – This 150 acre fire was reported on July 3rd and is burning 25 miles northwest of Fort Yukon, AK in a full suppression zone. Managers surveyed the fire on July 4th and firefighters will be inserted on July 5th. Firefighters will begin structure protection and work on cutting out around the allotment.
Goose Fire (#395) – The fire has grown approximately 1,000 acres on the northern end due to thunderstorm activity in the area and is now estimated at 5,500 acres. Eight smokejumpers were extracted from the fire after transitioning with 10 hotshots from the Mendocino IHC. Structure protection and allotment protection are the primary goals.
Pipe Fire (#408) – Up to 1″ of precipitation was reported across the fire on Monday. Firefighters reported that they have completed 100% containment of the 18-acre fire and have mopped up 66′ into the black and patrolled the lines looking for hot spots. They anticipate completing their work July 5th and and starting to backhaul supplies and personnel for reassignment.
Koness Fire (#339) – Thunderstorms with light precipitation were observed over the fire on Monday. Firefighters have completed clearing vegetation around a cabin on the allotment for structure protection and are working to improve control lines on the West side of the fire. The fire is burning in a limited protection zone.
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 