Cloudy, cool, and damp weather conditions remain in place across the Bean Complex, keeping fire activity minimal. The weather stations from around the fire area reported a range of rain amounts from .17-.40 inch. The weather forecast includes rain showers over the next several days, which will keep fire activity low. It is expected that scattered surface and subsurface hot spots will continue to creep and smolder deep in the duff layers – the partially decomposed and matted leaves, twigs and bark beneath the litter of freshly fallen twigs, needles and leaves. These holdover hot spots and pockets of heat are the main concerns which could influence future fire activity if a warm and drying trend develops.
The seven fires total 193,670 acres with 290 people assigned. Firefighters continue to camp remotely as they work on fire suppression tasks on the fires and protect values at risk.
On the Tanana River Fire (#310), about 14 miles southeast of Manley Hot Springs and north of the Tanana River, firefighters continue to seek out pockets of heat to cool, mop up, and secure the spot fires located northwest and southwest of the Tolovana River. Firefighters continue to map remote structures to improve the database of known structures to assist with future operations. Excess equipment and supplies are being prepared for retrieval. Crews are completing protection of approximately 58 structures and four Native allotments that could be impacted by the fire. This fire is 24,751 acres in size.
On the Bitzshitini Fire (#312), about 23 miles southwest of Manley Hot Springs and south of the Tanana River, firefighters have completed protection measures for structures. This includes removing vegetation near structures and installing temporary sprinkler systems if necessary. Active protection can be implemented if fire weather returns to the region. The fire is now unstaffed and in air patrol status. This fire is 69,359 acres in size.
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 are prepared to conduct firing operations if the fire progresses south, removing the burnable vegetation in the fire’s path to protect allotments and structures. This fire is 99,040 acres in size.
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 monitor status.
The Rock Fire (#557), is located 6 miles north of Eureka and is 1 acre. There is minimal fire activity because it is located in a rocky area.
The Elephant Fire (#561), is located 6 miles northeast of Eureka and is 110 acres in size. An adjustment in the size of this fire was made with improved mapping. It is staffed by 12 smokejumpers and a hotshot crew taking direct suppression actions.
The Cosna Bluff Fire (#564), is located 19 miles southwest of Manley Hot Springs and is 2 acres in size. It is staffed by eight smokejumpers taking direct suppression actions.
For more information, contact Bean Complex at email: 2022.bean@firenet.gov; or 907-921-2454
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 