The Bonneville Hotshots of Utah will arrive at the Paradise Complex today to replace the BLM Alaska Fire Service Chena Hotshots who are demobilizing. The Chena Hotshot crew worked for 21 consecutive days and fly back to Fairbanks for a few rest days. The Type 2 BLM AFS North Star Fire Crew, who have been working with the Chena Hotshots, will fly back on Tuesday to begin their rest days. Both crews have been preparing fire breaks and setting up hose and pumps to protect structures and Native allotments near Lake Minchumina.
Starr Fire (#508): Smokejumpers are engaged in identifying structures and Native allotments around the fire, as well as improving fire breaks and installing pumps and hose lays. Helicopters will be providing support to the complex by transporting crews, delivering food, water, fire hose, pumps, and other equipment.
Hog Butte Fire (#185): The fire was detected June 5 and is located 21 miles southwest of Lake Minchumina. The fire is burning in predominately black spruce mixed with hardwoods and tundra, and was lightning-caused.
Snohomish Fire (#225): The fire is also lightning-caused and was discovered June 7. It is located 9 miles west of Lake Minchumina.
Leaf Fire (#385): The fire was detected June 26 and is burning to the west of the Hog Butte Fire.
American Fire (#504): The fire is currently estimated at five acres and burning in tundra. It was started by lightning July 6.
Sischu Fire (#507): The fire is located just south of Sischu Mountain. It was detected by satellite July 7.
Bear Paw Fire (#510): The fire was discovered July 7. The fire is burning in tundra and scattered black spruce on flat terrain, while fire behavior is backing and creeping.
The total acreage for the complex is currently at 241,463. West winds are anticipated today and a Red Flag warning is in place until Monday because of abundant lightning and dry fuels. A change in the weather is anticipated for Tuesday, possibly bringing cooler temperatures and more moisture to the area.
For more information on the Paradise Complex, contact the Alaska Interagency Joint Information Center at (907)356-5511 or akacc@firenet.gov.
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 