The McCoy Creek Fire saw light precipitation and cooler temperatures on Friday, which assisted crews in mop up operations behind structures along the Salcha River. Although the fire has not impacted any of the cabins along the river corridor, the perimeter came in close proximity to structures in certain areas. Firefighters are ensuring that these areas are thoroughly “mopped up,” which entails using water and hand tools to remove all the heat within a certain distance from the fire perimeter.
Saturday, Smokejumpers will begin constructing a 4-mile hose lay working from the Salcha River to the south along the Alaska pipeline corridor. This hose lay will use water from the river, and be in place as proactive protection if the fire begins moving towards the pipeline. Firefighters will also continue with line construction and mop up. Crews on the McCoy Creek Fire include the Paradise Crew, the Union Interagency Hotshot Crew, a contingent of smokejumpers, the North Pacific Handcrew, the West Coast Handcrew, and the White Mountain Crew.
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: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 