Friday, firefighters were able to demobilize all the equipment that has been located to the east of the fire area. Setting up firefighting equipment requires sufficient logistical support, and breaking it down to be used on the next fire consists of just as much work. Sprinklers, pumps, and hose setup near the vicinity of structures on the Salcha River corridor will remain, until fire managers feel the threat from the McCoy Creek Fire is no longer present.
Firefighters will continue to mop up and secure the fire’s edge around cabins, and work to ensure all areas of heat within 300 feet of the perimeter near the river corridor are extinguished. The Paradise Crew demobilized from the fire Friday, leaving the Union Interagency Hotshot Crew, the North Pacific Handcrew, the West Coast Handcrew, and the White Mountain Handcrew.
EVACUATIONS: At 12:00 pm on August 18, The GO! evacuation status in effect for Fairbanks North Star Borough residents in the Lower Salcha River, approximately from river mile 3 to 40, was reduced to Set. The Middle Salcha, approximately river mile 40 to 61, was reduced to Ready at 12:00 pm.
CLOSURES: 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 