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Evacuations levels reduced in Haystack and Birch Creek, firefighters continue work on securing structures and fire perimeters

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on August 17, 2023

Helicopter at crew spike camp on the Salcha River for the McCoy Creek Fire (#201). Torrey Short/ AK DOF
Aerial view of the McCoy Creek Fire (#201) burned area as it approached the Salcha River. Torrey Short/ AK DOF

Evacuation levels were reduced in the Denali Borough and the Fairbanks North Star Borough yesterday on the Anderson Complex and the Lost Horse Creek fires. Two areas in both boroughs still remain in Level 3 evacuation status “GO”: The Teklanika River and all residents along the Teklanika River on the Anderson Complex and residents in the Lower Salcha River, approximately from river mile 3 to 40, on the McCoy Creek Fire. Over 900 personnel remain in the field working to secure fire perimeters and continue mopping up fire areas. There are currently 9 staffed fires and 296,798 acres have burned statewide.

UAS photo of the southwest corner of the Pogo Mine Road Fire (#191) where power lines and the Alaska Pipeline were protected.

HIGHLIGHTED FIRE ACTIVITY

Lost Horse Creek (#296) – [9,505 acres | 69% completed] North of Old Murphy Dome Road, 3.5 miles east of Mile 18 Elliot Highway. Fire activity continues to decrease as cooler temperatures move in, but the potential for some moderate burning remains. Work continues holding, securing, and mopping-up direct and indirect lines along the southern and eastern perimeter with dozers, crews, and masticators. The Fairbanks North Star Borough moved all areas previously in Level 2 “Set” to a Level 1 “Ready” level. (345 Personnel)

Anderson Complex (#899) – [58,933 acres | 87% completed] Anderson-Clear area. Work continues on structure and Native Allotment protection, equipment backhaul, and suppression repair operations. The Denali Borough reduced evacuation levels for most of the region but a Level 3 “GO” evacuation remains in place for the Teklanika River corridor. (186 personnel)

McCoy Creek (#201) – [14,060 acres] River mile 29, Salcha River. Spotty precipitation was received over the fire yesterday. The crews continued to mop up 50-100ft around the north edge near the Salcha River.Evacuation levels remain in place from the Fairbanks North Star Borough. (143 personnel)

Pogo Mine Road (#191) – [48,888 acres] 9 miles down Pogo Road. The fire area received precipitation on Wednesday morning and evening. Crews will continue direct line construction and cold trailing on the south and west sides of the fire. They will also continue with structure protection work and assess needs on cabins around Quartz Lake. (162 personnel)

Sand Lake (#261) – [130 acres | 50% completed] 6 miles northwest of Dot Lake. Crews will work to strengthen existing control lines and continue to mop up 150 feet in. Aviation resources will be utilized to cool interior pockets of heat and reinforce the east flank control lines. (70 personnel)

Mosquito Creek (#290) – [39 acres | 50% completed] 5 miles east of Harding Lake. The fire area received light precipitation on Wednesday. Crews continue to mop up the interior of the fire area and secure the fire perimeter. (43 personnel)

Mount Hayes (#299) – [7,085 acres] 24 miles southeast of Delta Junction. The fire area received wetting rains on Wednesday. Crews are working to implement structure protection on remote Alaska State Parks public use cabins. (25 personnel)