This is a report on fires occurring in Division of Alaska Forestry & Fire Protection northern protection areas, generally north of the Alaska Range. These include the DOF Prevention areas of Fairbanks, Delta Junction and Tok.
Burn permit suspensions have been lifted in the Fairbanks, Delta, and Tok areas. You can get a permit at your local fire station, forestry office or at https://dnr.alaska.gov/burn/ .
Rain and lower temperatures will continue through the weekend. Much of the region will receive wetting rains, from one-half to one-inch over much of the Interior. From the Yukon Flats to Arctic Village is still predicted to experience less than a quarter-inch of rain, as well as portions of the Upper Tanana Valley. Winds will persist across Interior summits, particularly in the White Mountains and along the Steese Highway, east of 12 Mile Summit. Southerly flow will increase in the Alaska Range today, with gusts reaching 35-50 mph. High temperatures will be in the 50s to 60s and minimum relative humidities will be above 40.
There will be no regional smoke outlook unless fire activity increases.
Four fires in the DOF Northern Region remained staffed on Friday, July 5
Sargent Creek Fire (#345) is a lightning caused fire south of the Chatanika River about 3.5 miles downstream from the Elliot Highway Chatanika bridge. On Friday, firefighters completed a full grid of the fire and found no heat or smoke. Hoses, pumps and gear was removed for backhaul and all personnel were demobilized from the Sargent Creek Fire. This will be the last report for this fire.
Shaw Creek Dome Fire (#326), 19.25 miles northeast of Big Delta located in a full response area and is estimated to be 11 acres with 17 personnel assigned. The fire area received heavy precipitation on Friday. White Mountain module and Delta helitack removed hazard trees and performed grids in the fire area, finding minimal heat. Excess equipment was removed for backhaul. Gridding will continue on Saturday as crews prepare more hoses and equipment for backhaul.
Last Chance Creek Fire (#305) – 11 miles east of Fox near Fort Knox Gold Mine in a full response area. This 1-acre fire is now fully contained, controlled and out. Fairbanks 1 crew was demobilized from the fire on Friday and equipment was backhauled. This will be the last report on this fire.
Gold King Creek Fire (#276) – 46 miles south of Fairbanks in a limited response area. This fire is 6,000 acres and is staffed by 32 personnel, including the Yukon fire crew and smokejumpers. Uncrewed aerial surveillance continued on Friday to aid firefighters in heat detection. More drone operations are planned for Saturday as crews work to ensure all heat posing a risk to structures has been extinguished. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Gold King Creek Fire for the safe operation of firefighting aircraft. Pilots should check here, https://tfr.faa.gov/, before flying in the area.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 