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Crews increase containment across incidents statewide and fire managers work to right-size operations

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on August 21, 2023

Due to reduced threat, the remaining level 3 “GO” evacuation statuses were downgraded on the Anderson Complex and McCoy Creek Fire over the weekend. Interior Alaska received widespread precipitation over the weekend with more rain in the forecast. The Great Basin 3 Type 2 Incident Management Team transferred command of the Anderson Complex back to the local unit on Sunday and the Alaska Type 2 Incident Management Team is preparing to transition the Lost Horse Creek Fire back to the local unit on Tuesday. Fire managers continue assessing needs and will work to release resources from fires as conditions allow. 640 firefighters and personnel remain in the field working on 6 staffed fires. 296,691 acres have burned statewide.

A member of Tanana Chiefs Crew works to get rid of burnable fuel on the Pogo Mine Road Fire (#191) with a drip torch. Levi Tucker/Tanana Chiefs Crew

HIGHLIGHTED FIRE ACTIVITY

Lost Horse Creek (#296) – [9,317 acres | 90% completed] North of Old Murphy Dome Road, 3.5 miles east of Mile 18 Elliot Highway. The fire area experienced widespread precipitation overnight. Crews continue equipment backhaul from containment lines and suppression repair work of the contingency dozer line. A transition to a local Type 3 Organization is planned for Tuesday and Pioneer Peak and West Coast crews demobilized. (222 Personnel)

Anderson Complex (#899) – [58,933 acres | 87% completed] Anderson-Clear area. The fire transitioned from the Type 2 Incident Management Team to the local unit on Sunday. Fire activity was mitigated by showers received across the complex. Threat to values at risk remains reduced. Suppression repair has been completed. (64 personnel)

McCoy Creek (#201) – [14,060 acres | 20% completed] River mile 29, Salcha River. Crews work to pull hose, mop up, and secure the line along the river corridor and winter trail. The Fairbanks North Star Borough reduced the Lower Salcha River to a “Set” evacuation status and the middle Salcha River remains in a “Ready” status. The Union Interagency Hotshot Crew was released from the fire on Sunday. (95 personnel)

Pogo Mine Road (#191) – [48,745 acres | 58% completed] 9 miles down Pogo Road. Work continues isolating islands of unburned fuel in the fire area, securing the perimeter near structures, and mopping up areas of concern. Crews are beginning the process of backhauling equipment that is no longer needed in the field. Fire activity and behavior has been minimal. (151 personnel)

Mount Hayes (#299) – [6,720 acres | 70% completed ] 24 miles southeast of Delta Junction. Crews worked toward structure protection objectives on the final public use cabins in the area. Fire behavior continues to be minimal. Potential future control lines are being scouted to ensure preparedness. (23 personnel)

Sand Lake (#261) – [130 acres | 65% completed] 6 miles northwest of Dot Lake. The Yukon Crew was inserted into the incident over the weekend. A total of 3,651 pounds of hose was pulled off the fire. 50% on the hose lay remains on the line and crews will continue back hauling equipment that is no longer needed due to reduced threat. Crews continue work to strengthen and mop up control lines. (85 personnel)