Fire activity on the McCoy Creek Fire remained moderated Saturday. Clear skies this morning allowed for aircraft to map the fire perimeter, measuring the area at 14,060 acres. Crews continued with mop up 100 feet within the fire’s perimeter behind the structures closest to the fire, and building direct line where needed. Smokejumpers worked on construction of a four mile long hoselay along the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline south of the Salcha River. The pipeline corridor is a straight lane cleared of vegetation, and will be used as a “contingency” fire break if needed. The pipeline itself is designed to withstand wildfire, yet proactive measures are being taken to lessen fire activity should the McCoy Creek Fire move in that direction.
Sunday, operations on the McCoy Creek fire will continue, with the extinguishing of any hot spots near the river corridor, construction of handline, and completion of the hoselay along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Mop up operations along the Salcha River corridor are being completed with all hotspots within 30 feet of the fire’s perimeter extinguished. 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 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: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 