Fire activity remains moderated on the McCoy Creek Fire. Crews continued to mop-up on the Salcha River corridor 50-100 feet in and will assess the need to extinguish hot spots up to 300 feet within the fire perimeter. Union Hotshots worked in and tested the 4-mile-long hose lay along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, ensuring its ability to efficiently deliver water along the pipeline corridor.
Although there has been a reduction in fire activity throughout the last several days, warmer and drier weather could change that very quickly. Fire managers are remaining vigilant with the possibility of an uptick in fire behavior and the potential need to utilize the pipeline as a “contingency” fire line. Until long-term cooler and wetter weather arrives, fire season will remain in Alaska. Crews on the McCoy Creek Fire include the Paradise Crew, the Union Interagency Hotshot Crew, 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, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 