Type 3 Incident Commander Torrey Short took command of the McCoy Creek Fire at 8 am today. The fire continues to spread up the McCoy Creek and Lenant Creek drainages to the southeast, away from the Salcha River. The fire is estimated to be 5,000 acres. With warm, dry weather expected through the weekend, fire activity is likely to continue.
Firefighters include smokejumpers, the White Mountain Type 2 Initial Attack Crew, Fairbanks #1 Squad, and the Union Interagency Hotshot Crew from Oregon. Yesterday, crews secured the southwest shoulder of the fire as well as the northern shoulders, approximately between river miles 23 to 28. Work will continue to hold the fireline and protect structures along the Salcha River, while herding the fire to the southeast to minimize impact on the river corridor.
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. Please be aware of your surroundings and give firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely.
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. Property owners can still access the river at the boat ramp, but should be aware this is an active fire area and in evacuation status. The area between river miles 20-30 should be avoided, if at all possible. In addition, the Harding Lake Campground is closed, but the boat ramp remains open to the public.
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 