8:00 PM UPDATE: The Gateway Dive Fire (#080) is contained at 1.2 acres. A structure near where the fire started was not damaged. Chena Goldstream Fire and Rescue was first on scene responding to a structure fire, once they realized it was a grass fire they called in additional ground resources and firefighting aircraft. The large volume of water delivered to the fire by the water scooping aircraft and helicopters stopped the fire from advancing. The aircraft and helicopters have been released along with other resources to be ready to respond to any new fire starts. Firefighters will work into the evening mopping up the burned area and securing the perimeter.
Drones were sighted near the fire area. If drones intrude on aerial operations, all aircraft must disengage and leave area for safety reasons. Please do not fly drones near wildland fires.
This will be the last update for the evening.
6:30 PM UPDATE: Four Fire Bosses working with water-dropping helicopters have knocked down the Gateway Drive Fire (#080). Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection firefighters, BLM Midnight Sun Hotshots and local structure fire departments are aggressively attacking the fire on the ground.
5:30 PM UPDATE: Fairbanks area firefighters and smokejumpers are responding to Gateway Drive off Chena Pump Road where a tree on a powerline started a fire Thursday afternoon. The fire is spreading rapidly in grassy tundra, mixed hardwoods, white spruce and brush. Helitack and Fire Boss water scooping aircraft are also responding.
Please avoid the area and watch out for firefighters and equipment.
More updates will come as they are available.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 