Active fire behavior with steady and persistent growth is occurring over many areas of the Complex. The potential for extreme fire behavior exists as temperatures increase and relative humidity decreases to critical levels. The hot and dry conditions are expected to persist through the weekend into early next week, with additional chances for thunderstorms and no appreciable amounts of rainfall. A Red Flag Warning is in effect through midnight Sunday to account for the lightning potential.

There are 246 people assigned to these fires. Of the five fires in the 155,302-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. Today, firefighters will identify and assess values at risk in the potential path of these fires, and conduct point protection work on high priority areas.

• The Hutlinana Fire (#327) is 407 acres and 90% contained. Firefighters will monitor the fire area by air until fire season ends or no heat is detected. This fire is north of the Tanana River, roughly 10 miles east of Manley Hot Springs.
• The Tanana River Fire (#310) is at 21,699 acres. Approximately 48 structures and 4 Native Allotments could be impacted by the fire. Resources continue mop up behind firing operations in the Tanana Roadhouse area, and widening and clearing vegetation from a trail to be used as a secondary fuel break between there and Deadman’s Lake. Holding and suppressing the spot fires west of the Tolovana River is a high priority. Yesterday a period of clear air in the afternoon allowed extensive attack with water-dropping aircraft, successfully slowing the fire’s advance in that area. This fire is north of the Tanana River about 14 miles southeast of Manley Hot Springs.
• The Bitzshitini Fire (#312) is at 57,491 acres. Twelve structures have the potential to be impacted by this fire. Firefighters continue to hold and improve the mop up work around the cabins to the north and east of this fire, and prepare for firing operations as necessary to protect values at risk. This fire is about 23 miles southwest of Manley Hot Springs, south of the Tanana River.
• The Chitanana Fire (#315) and Dragon Fire (#343) have merged. Their combined size is 75,685 acres. Nineteen structures and Native Allotments have the potential to be impacted by this fire. Protection of the structures around Mooseheart Lake is of increasing concern as these combined fires maintain a pattern of steady growth each day. Crews continue mopping up around the cabins, allotments, and other structures in the area and conducting firing operations as necessary.

The State Forester for the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection issued an Emergency Burn Closure Order at 11:59 p.m. on July 1, 2022, It restricts all burning that requires a local or state burn permit, including uncontained cooking, warming, and signaling fires. Temperature, wind and humidity values are all at thresholds for extreme fire risk in the Bean Complex area. With the additional risk of thunderstorms, it is critical to do your part to prevent new fires.

For more information, contact Bean Complex at email: 2022.bean@firenet.gov; or 907-921-2454

Categories: AK Fire Info

Tags: Alaska Division of Forestry, Bean Complex, BLM Alaska Fire Service