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Suppression repair and equipment backhaul continue in muddy conditions

By LostHorseCreekFire2023 on August 20, 2023

Firefighters have reached the goal of 23% containment on the Lost Horse Creek Fire (#296). While this number may seem low, the success of securing the southern end of the fire ensures protection for the communities near the fire area. With the containment objective met, the Alaska Incident Management Team (IMT) will prepare for a transition to a Type 3 Team on Tuesday, August 22 at 8:00 am. The Alaska IMT will provide information over the next two days with a FINAL Lost Horse Creek Fire Update posted Monday morning.

Weather over the past week moderated fire behavior, minimizing chance of further growth. However, it did create a challenge for crews by creating wet, muddy work conditions. With lower temperatures and high relative humidity, crews are working at a methodical pace in order to maintain safe operations in the presence of heavy fog and avoid causing further damage to the landscape.

A firefighter is removing bundles of used water hose from an all-terrain vehicle. The ATV and firefighter are covered in mud. The hose is being removed from the fireline. — The work of equipment backhaul from the fireline continues. Conditions are very muddy from recent rains.

With fire suppression efforts complete and all structure protection removed from the Haystack community, the focus is on suppression repair. Over the next 7-10 days, resources remaining on the incident will focus on suppression repair of indirect dozer line and backhaul all equipment from the fire area. Backhaul entails pulling all support equipment such as hose and pumps off the line and returning it to the warehouse where it will be cleaned, tested and prepared for use on another fire.

Map of the Lost Horse Creek fire for August 20 shows black containment line on the southern edge of the fire. — Lost Horse Creek Fire – August 20, 2023. The 9,505 acre fire is 23% contained and has a total of 292 personnel assigned.

EVACUATIONS: All communities near the Lost Horse Creek Fire are at Level 1 (READY). Residents should stay vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. For more information: Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK | Official Website (fnsb.gov); Find My Neighborhood (arcgis.com)

CLOSURES: Olnes Pond campground is closed in order to support fire operations. There is no set time to reopen the area for public use. The western portion of the White Mountains National Recreation Area is closed per the BLM Eastern Interior Field Office. Alaska Fire Restrictions | Bureau of Land Management (blm.gov).

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY: Fire activity has been minimal with no smoke production for almost a week. Air quality may be checked at any time by visiting Fire and Smoke Map (airnow.gov).

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION (TFR) is in effect until August 26, 2023. For details, visit 3/4417 NOTAM Details (tfr.faa.gov).

The phone numbers and email listed below will no longer be active after

Monday, August 21, 2023 at 8:00 pm

Public Information: (907) 921- 2555

Media Inquiries: (907) 921- 2554

Email: 2023.LostHorseCreek@firenet.gov

You Tube: www.youtube.com/AlaskaDNRDOF

www.akfireinfo.com ♦ http://www.facebook.com/AK.Forestry  ♦ inciweb.wildfire.gov/