Cool and dry conditions prevailed over the complex area yesterday day with passing high clouds and westerly winds prevailing. Temperatures were in the 60s to lower 70s, with relative humidity down into the upper 20s and 30s. This weather allowed some limited fire spread. A return to wetter conditions is expected today, as the next weather system moves into the region from the southwest bringing increasing shower chances during the afternoon and into Saturday. Rainfall amounts of 0.25 inches to 0.50 inches are possible. Cooler and wetter conditions are expected to remain in place into next week, with additional rain possible.
The National Weather Service office in Fairbanks has lifted the Flood Watch for the Tanana River, but rain is expected to keep the river at high bank conditions.
Of the four fires in the Bean Complex, three are under a point protection strategy which consists of taking steps to protect sites of value such as cabins, lodges and Native Allotments. The fourth is the Hutlinana Fire (#327), under a strategy of full containment. The fires now total 189,215 acres and 255 people are assigned.
On the Tanana River Fire (#310), firefighters continue fire line construction to complete the containment of spot fires to the northwest and southwest of the Tolovana River. Firefighters are completing mop up efforts around the Tolovana Roadhouse in the next few days. This work is to protect approximately 58 structures and four Native allotments that could be impacted by the fire. This fire is north of the Tanana River about 14 miles southeast of Manley Hot Springs. The fire is at 24,255 acres.
On the Bitzshitini Fire (#312), about 23 miles southwest of Manley Hot Springs and south of the Tanana River, firefighters completed setting up point protection for structures. This includes removing vegetation near structures and installing temporary sprinkler systems if necessary. The fire is now unstaffed and in patrol by air status. This fire has grown to 68,585 acres.
On the Chitinana Fire (#315), firefighters continue to mop up, secure, and monitor around cabins, other structures, and allotments within the fire area. This fire is south of the Tanana River about 21 miles southeast of Tanana and 24 miles southwest of Manley Hot Springs. In the Mooseheart Lake area, firefighters have conducted firing operations as the fire progresses south, removing the burnable vegetation in the fire’s path to protect allotments and structures. The fire is at 95,751 acres.
The Hutlinana Fire (#327), north of the Tanana River roughly 10 miles east of Manley Hot Springs, remains at 90% containment and 407 acres. It is unstaffed and in air patrol status.
For more information, contact Bean Complex at email: 2022.bean@firenet.gov; or 907-921-2454
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 