Cooler temperatures and moderated fire activity on the McCoy Creek Fire Thursday allowed firefighters to accomplish various operational goals throughout the day. Structure assessments on the Salcha River corridor have been completed down to river mile 10.5, with mop up occurring behind structures around mile 20 where the fire approached the Salcha River. Firefighters were able to construct a section of “direct” fireline behind structures at mile 19. “Direct” fireline is built as close as possible to the fire’s edge, limiting the possibility of fire building momentum and crossing over.
Friday is expected to be relatively cool, and fire crews will continue to work along the Salcha River protecting structures, installing pumps and hose, and constructing fireline where needed. Although cooler temperatures have reduced fire behavior on the McCoy Creek Fire, a long-term shift in the weather will be required in order for fire season to end in Alaska. Crews on the McCoy Creek Fire include the Paradise Crew, the Union Interagency Hotshot Crew, a contingent of smokejumpers, the North Pacific Handcrew, and the West Coast Handcrew.
EVACUATIONS: 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.
CLOSURES: 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 