The McCoy Creek Fire continues to spread away from the Salcha River up the McCoy Creek and Lenant Creek drainages to the southeast. The fire size is estimated to be at 5,000 acres. With warm, dry weather expected through the weekend, and the potential for southerly winds, fire activity is likely to continue.
A successful firing operation has been completed along an indirect line on the northeast shoulder of the fire, which will assist in the overall operational goal of preventing further spread of the fire in the direction of the Salcha River. Today crews will hold and improve existing fire lines, continue structure protection measures, and work to keep fire activity limited to the south side of the fire. Firefighters include smokejumpers, the White Mountain Type 2 Initial Attack Crew, and the Union Interagency Hotshot Crew from Oregon.
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. 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 