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Firefighters Attack the Perimeter of the McCoy Creek Fire

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on August 1, 2023

A crew loads a helicopter to be dropped in spike camp. — The Union Crew boards a helicopter to be dropped at spike camp.

Gains from cooler weekend temperatures were built upon today with an influx of more boots on the ground. The McCoy Creek Fire (#201) now has 60 firefighters that include firefighters from the White Mountain Type 2 Initial Attack Crew, Fairbanks #1 squad, and the Union Interagency Hotshot Crew from Oregon. These firefighters are going direct on the left flank of the fire, along the Salcha River, and working the fire perimeter with sawline and handline. Heavy aerial assault again today helped keep the fire in check. Structure assessment and protection continues along the river corridor with pump installation and hoselay.

Firefighers lined up with organized gear ready to board aircraft. — The Union Hot Shots from Oregon have their gear organized and ready to board a helicopter that will take them to the fireline.

Firefighters load nets for a helicopter sling load. — The Union Hot Shots from Oregon have their gear organized and ready to board a helicopter that will take them to the fireline.

The weather forecast for the week shows warm temperatures and drying conditions that could increase fire activity. The McCoy Creek Fire has currently burned approximately 1,600 acres.

Map of the McCoy Creek Fire (#201), Mosquito Creek FIre (#290) and surrounding area including the areas under GO! evacuation notices from the Fairbanks Northstar Borough as of July 31.

Due to the McCoy Creek Fire activity, a GO! evacuation status remains in effect for Fairbanks North Star Borough residents in the Lower Salcha River, approximately from river mile 3 to 40. The Middle Salcha remains in Set status, approximately river mile 40 to 61.

Alaska State Parks has closed the Salcha River Recreation Area to the public in order to give firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely. In addition, the Harding Lake Campground is closed, but the boat ramp remains open to the public.

Fire information boards are available at the Salcha store and gas station, the Salcha River boat ramp, and Harding Lake boat ramp.