Twelve consecutive days of hot dry weather and Red Flag conditions have set the Bean Complex fires on a path of active fire behavior with steady and persistent growth. These 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 today to account for the lightning potential.
After careful consideration, fire officials have issued an Evacuation Recommendation for areas likely to be impacted by the Bean Complex Fires. Please see the Evacuation Recommendation map here. The fires have steadily grown and predicted fire weather is likely to cause additional high to extreme fire behavior. The evacuation areas included are sparsely populated and not accessible by road, adding to the need to issue the Evacuation Recommendation to help ensure firefighter and public safety. New maps will be released on akfireinfo.com when recommendations are adjusted with the fire activity. At this time, the communities of Manley Hot Springs and Minto are NOT a part of these areas.
The accompanying map identifies risk zones surrounding current fire perimeters. These zones pertain only to the three large fires in the Bean Complex (Fire # 310, #312 and #315) shown in red on the map. People within the colored zones around the fires are advised to follow the recommended actions for each zone. On this map, the green zone indicates a “ready” status; the yellow zone indicates “set” status; and the red zone means “go”.
Ready — Work to prepare your property by creating defensible space. Residents should clean up and relocate combustible material from around their homes. This could include moving or removing debris, loose fuel containers, vehicles, or any other ignition sources near homes. Remove objects near the home that could trap embers and ignite a home. Keep grass, trees, or other vegetation near houses trimmed and cleared away.
Set — Prepare a “go-kit” including prescription medications, emergency supplies, important documents, and irreplaceable items. Plan an evacuation route and keep up to date on the most current local emergency plans. Know where to find the most current information from local authorities.
Go! — Get your “go-kit” and leave by following the planned evacuation route before the wildfire reaches your area. Cooperate with local authorities during the evacuation and re-entry processes.
Smoke is limiting visibility and the ability for aerial resources to reach all areas of the Complex, impacting the ability to deliver much needed supplies and logistical support.
There are 248 people assigned to these fires. The three active fires 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 north of the Tanana River, roughly 10 miles east of Manley Hot Springs. It is 90% contained and being patrolled by air.
- The Tanana River Fire (#310) is at 22,985 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. As the fire progresses, structures are continually being evaluated and assessed closer to the Tanana River. This fire is north of the Tanana River about 14 miles southeast of Manley Hot Springs.
- The Bitzshitini Fire (#312) is at 58,560 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) now encompasses the former Dragon Fire, totaling 78,671 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. 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
Other resources:
Good Better Best – A simple emergency preparedness guide link
Website: https://akfireinfo.com/tag/bean-complex
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8183/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMAFS/
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 