Saturday, high temperatures and southeast wind contributed to increased fire activity on the McCoy Creek fire. Firefighters enhanced fire lines along the Salcha River corridor and utilized aircraft, including tankers and helicopters, to protect structures north of the fire area.
Please remember, the evacuations along the river corridor are in place not only to protect public from fire activity, but from fire fighting operations as well. The Salcha River is the main transportation route to get firefighters and equipment to the fire, and firefighting aircraft are utilizing the river as a water source.
Members of the Paradise Fire Crew head up the Salcha River into the McCoy Creek Fire on August 5. Photo Ari Lightsey/AK DOF
A Red Flag Warning due to hot temperatures and Chinook winds from the south is in effect through Sunday at 10 pm. Firefighters will continue to work with water-dropping aircraft to protect structures and prepare for increased fire activity along the Salcha River throughout the day. Crews assigned to the fire are the DOF White Mountain Type 2 Initial Attack Crew, the Paradise Crew, the Union Interagency Hotshot Crew from Oregon, and a contingent of smokejumpers.
Map of McCoy Creek and Mosquito Creek Fires as of August 5. The McCoy Creek Fire is at 8,503 acres.
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 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 