Firefighters continue to make progress on mop up operations along the Salcha River corridor and begin the lengthy process of removing extra firefighting equipment from the fire area. Sprinklers, pumps, and hose that are set up to protect structures, and the hose lay along the pipeline corridor, will remain until it is certain that danger from the McCoy Creek Fire is no longer present. The Fairbanks North Star Borough is working with fire managers to assess the evacuation levels on the Salcha River due to reduced threat.
The McCoy Creek Fire has a large footprint with areas still retaining heat. The forecasted weather does not predict a warming and drying trend; however, weather patterns can change quickly and fire managers will remain prepared for an increase in activity and fire behavior. 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.
The Salcha River Recreation Area remains closed 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 still an active fire area and in evacuation status. Please use caution and be aware of increased boat traffic in the area between river miles 20-30. In addition, the Harding Lake Campground is closed, but the boat ramp for Harding Lake remains open to the public. Fire managers and Alaska State Parks are working on a date to open areas that remain closed.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 