Dozer line constructed between the Lost Horse Creek Fire and the Haystack subdivision

A large smoke plume rises over black spruce forest.
The Lost Horse Creek Fire remains active as air operations support crews on the ground to slow spread. Photo by Karen Scholl/Alaska Fire Service, August 4, 2023

(Fairbanks, AK) – With favorable winds, crews on the Lost Horse Creek Fire (#296) made progress on a bulldozed containment line reinforced with fire retardant. This line is being extended to the east/southeast into the Caribou Creek drainage. Pumps, water tanks, and hose lays arrived on site as crews conduct structure assessment and protection in the Haystack Subdivision. Air tankers, Super Scoopers, and Fire Bosses support ground operations including the Big River Alaskan contract hand crew, a strike team of four engines, three dozers, and a water tender as they identify line placement to minimize fire spread.

Fire activity is expected to increase over the weekend as warm, dry weather continues. Public information boards can be found at the Haystack Subdivision entrance and Hilltop Truck Stop. 

Map of the Lost Horse Creek fire boundary.
The Lost Horse Creek Fire as of the evening of August 4, 2023.
Lost Horse Creek Fire Operational Update for August 5th

The Alaska Team is managing six additional fires: the Sargent Creek Fire (#255), Our Creek Fire (#271), Murphy Creek Fire (#320), Treasure Creek (#265), Olnes Pond (#250), and Hayes Creek (#266). These fires are currently in stages of mop up and monitoring and are expected to be contained by the end of next week.

EVACUATIONS: The “GO” level evacuation notice issued by the  Fairbanks North Star Borough remains in effect for Upper Haystack Drive, including Sharmon Court and All of Middle Fork Road in the Haystack Subdivision.

This is a map using colors to identify evacuation areas.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough has issued evacuation notices for areas around the Lost Horse Creek Fire (#296). The area shaded in red is a Level 3 GO! – Evacuate Now. Yellow is a Level 2 SET – Be Ready to Evacuate. Green is a Level 1 READY – Be aware and be prepared. More information from FNSB can be found at http://www.fnsb.gov/180/Emergency-Operations.

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY: An air quality advisory is in effect for central and eastern Alaska until Sunday, August 6, 2023 at 10:00 am. Major smoke impacts within the Tanana Flats/Valley. Low level winds will continue to carry the smoke east until a wind shift Saturday. Winds on Saturday will be from the south and push more of the smoke into the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Air Quality will vary between GOOD and Very Unhealthy depending on the location relative to the fires and wind flow in/around the fires. For more information, see the Fairbanks North Star Borough air quality map.

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS (TFR) are in effect until September 1, 2023. For details, see: 3/6714 NOTAM Details (faa.gov)

Public Information: (907) 921-2555         

Media Inquiries: (907) 921-2554

Email: 2023.LostHorseCreek@firenet.gov



Categories: AK Fire Info

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