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Pipeline assessment, mop-up, underway on McCoy Creek Fire (#201)

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on August 14, 2023

Sunday, temperatures were cooler over the McCoy Creek Fire, and fire activity remained moderated. Crews continued to mop up on the Salcha River corridor. 50 feet of mop up has been completed within the fire perimeter along the river, with 100 feet of mop up in the process of being finished. This ensures that if the weather were to return to an unseasonably hot and dry trend, areas of smoldering heat along the river corridor would not reignite and damage structures. Firefighters continued building direct line along the east flank of the fire, and the construction of a 4-mile long hoselay along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline was completed. The pipeline will serve as a “contingency” fire break, to be used only in case the weather shifts and the fire picks up momentum to the west.

Boats staged around mile 23 of the Salcha River. Fire crews are camped out in this area to have efficient access to the fire. Photo Jeff Higgins

Monday, firefighters will continue with mop up, direct line construction, and inventory of all firefighting equipment dispersed in the fire area. Fire managers are looking at the long-term weather and assessing needs for the McCoy Creek Fire, including evaluating the necessity of the current evacuations and closures. 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.

EVACTUATIONS: 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.