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Minimal acreage growth reported statewide despite winds and warmer weather

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on August 13, 2023

Fire Boss skimming at Quartz Lake working to protect private structures, Pogo Mine Road, and the Alaska Pipeline corridor on the Pogo Mine Road Fire (#191). Photo courtesy of Quartz Lake Lodge and Cabins

Activity picked up along the Teklanika River and the southern line of the Pogo Mine Road Fire due to winds and warmer weather yesterday, although there was no significant acreage growth statewide. Winds will continue through Sunday but are forecasted to be weaker today. Wind and reduced cloud cover helped to alleviate smoke from many areas in the region. The continuing wind event in the Interior may increase localized smoke production. There are currently 10 staffed fires out of 153 active fires. 276,922 acres have burned statewide.

Aerial reconnaissance flight over the Mount Hayes Fire (#299) area. David Camacho/ AK DOF

HIGHLIGHTED FIRE ACTIVITY

Lost Horse Creek (#296) – [9,505 acres | 37% completed] North of Old Murphy Dome Road, 3.5 miles east of Mile 18 Elliot Highway. Two hotshot crews arrived on the fire, including Alaska’s Pioneer Peak Hotshots. They will begin work on the southwest side of the fire today. Progress is being made towards containment on the south and southeast portions of the perimeter. There has been no acreage change since August 11. Evacuation levels remain in place from the Fairbanks North Star Borough. (350 Personnel)

Anderson Complex (#899) – [50,830 acres | 51% completed] Anderson-Clear area. Windy and dry conditions were the primary weather concerns yesterday with some slightly elevated windows for wind today. Resources continue to secure hot spots and the fire edge around structures and utilizing defensive actions when necessary. Evacuation levels remain in place from the Denali Borough. (251 personnel)

McCoy Creek (#201) – [14,060 acres] River mile 29, Salcha River. Resources were able to complete contingency line 4 miles down the pipeline corridor off the Salcha River and are working to mop up 100 feet in behind the structures today. Evacuation levels remain in place from the Fairbanks North Star Borough. (133 personnel)

Pogo Mine Road (#191) – [47,136 acres] 9 miles down Pogo Road. Winds caused isolated areas on the edge to ignite and consume. Crews continue important work to keep the Pogo Mine Road open and are taking advantage of opportunities to mop up, improve control lines and secure around values at risk. (46 personnel)

Sand Lake (#261) – [123 acres | 45% contained] 6 miles northwest of Dot Lake. There has been no acreage change since August 11. Crews mopped up 75 feet in, along the full length of the west flank and northern edge and have mopped up 50 feet in on the southeast portion of the fire. (64 personnel)

Mosquito Creek (#290) – [35 acres | 50% contained] 5 miles east of Harding Lake. High winds are causing trees to come down. Operations are working to get rid of burnable fuel in the fire area and gridding and monitoring the fire. (43 personnel)

Mount Hayes (#299) – [7,085 acres] 24 miles southeast of Delta Junction. There has been no acreage change since August 11. Resources will continue to work on structure protection, dozer line, and hose lay. (75 personnel)