Recent weather in the past five days allowed firefighters to construct structure protection efforts within the Lake Michumina communities. The Paradise Complex of seven fires is now at 46% completion of structure protection projects and has stayed at 276,703 acres burned in the last several days. Firefighters and will continue to monitor #255 and #185 fires by air, detecting and assessing areas of heat and potential opportunities for protection projects, where needed. While the recent weather has helped firefighters advance toward completion of structure protection objectives, it remains challenging for air resources to access some fire areas within the complex when visibility is diminished. Structure protection remains as the primary focus around Lake Minchumina and nearby communities. However, as weather allows crews will also be looking for opportunities to pull equipment from areas of no concern, where there is limited fuel and cold edges. Collected equipment will be consolidated for helicopters to relocate offsite.
Hog Butte Fire (#185): The fire was detected June 5 and is located 21 miles southwest of Lake Minchumina. The current size is estimated at 206,061 acres. The lightning-caused fire is burning in predominately black spruce mixed with hardwoods and tundra. The fire continues to smolder; however, no fire growth has been reported at this time.
Snohomish Fire (#225): The lightning-caused fire was discovered June 7 and is approximately 8 miles west of Lake Minchumina. There was no fire growth from yesterday and remains at 37,836 total acres.
Leaf Fire (#385): The fire was detected June 26 and is burning to the west of the Hog Butte Fire. The fire grew nine acres from yesterday to total 11,134 acres. Fire resources are also engaged in structure protection to the west of the fire.
American Fire (#504): The lightning-caused fire was discovered July 6. With no change from yesterday, the fire remains at 9,827 acres and continues to smolder in tundra.
Sischu Fire (#507): The lightning-caused fire was discovered July 7 and located near the Sischu Mountains. The fire remains at 8,879 acres and continues to smolder with no growth from yesterday.
Starr Fire (#508): This fire is located in the northwestern corner of the north portion of Denali National Park and Preserve. It was started by lightning and discovered July 7. The fire remains at 205 acres and continues to smolder with no fire growth.
Bear Paw Fire (#510): The fire was discovered July 7 and is estimated at 2,752 acres. The fire is burning in tundra and scattered black spruce on flat terrain.
For more information, contact the Alaska Interagency Joint Information Center at (907) 356-5511 or akacc@firenet.gov.
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 