The Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 3, Incident Commander Mike Almas, assumed command of the Middle Tanana Complex at 8:00 am on July 6, 2022.
A community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 7 at 7:00 pm at the Delta Junction Community Center, 2287 Deborah Street, Delta Junction. The meeting will be simulcast on KDHS Radio, 95.5 FM.
The Complex consists of nine fires, the Yukon Creek (#296), Marshall Mountain (#420), Central Creek (#437), Central Creek Airstrip (#295), Porcupine Creek (#375), South Fork (#427), Gold Hub (#455), California Creek (#472), Gilles Creek (#460).
The Middle Tanana Complex is split geographically into three divisions (S-Salcha River corridor, G-Goodpasture River corridor, and P-Pogo Mine).
In Division S, smokejumpers implemented structure protection measures, including clearing brush and debris, and putting sprinklers, pumps, and hoses around buildings on the north side of the Salcha River near the Yukon Fire. Today they will assess structures further downriver for doing similar work.
In Division G, fire personnel will evaluate the need for structure protection near the South Fork Fire because of its proximity to recreational cabins.
In Division P, measures are being put in place to protect Pogo Mine infrastructure.
Resources are available to assist with any new fire starts as needed.
Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place over the Gold Hub, Gilles Creek, and South Fork fires. Flight restrictions are for any aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t!
Weather
Red flag warning in effect through midnight tonight due to potential thunderstorms. Relative humidity is expected to be in the mid- to upper-30s. Gap winds from the Alaska range are not expected to affect fires in the complex. Gusts of 5 – 10 mph are predicted.
Fire Behavior
On Monday, the fires were active and grew significantly due to low relative humidity of 22% and a high temperature of 83 degrees. Yesterday, conditions improved slightly, and fire behavior moderated with less growth. Today, smoke in the air combined with milder weather will allow for continued moderated fire behavior and lower potential for significant fire growth.
Evacuations
The residents off the road system and recreational cabins in the Middle Salcha River and Upper Salcha River Zones are now in SET status. Visit the Fairbanks North Star Borough evacuation map for evacuations in that Borough: https://tinyurl.com/FNSBEvacMap
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 