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Public Notice: Washington Creek fuel break project mobilization

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The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) is preparing to begin construction of the Washington Creek Fuel Break project, located north of Fairbanks. Equipment mobilization and project implementation are tentatively scheduled to begin the week of December 8. The project is anticipated to continue through February.

Map showing Washington Creek and Haystack Fuel treatment projects, Washington Creek, planned to enhance wildfire safety for the Haystack Mountain community north of Fairbanks.
Map showing Washington Creek and Haystack Fuel treatment projects, Washington Creek, planned to enhance wildfire safety for the Haystack Mountain community north of Fairbanks.

Washington Creek, along with the Haystack Shaded Fuel Break above Leuthold Drive, will enhance wildfire safety for the Haystack Mountain community.  These projects were developed as an extension of a comprehensive Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) that was completed in 2005 to assess high-risk fire areas in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. The project has been in the planning stages for several years and underwent a thorough public input process, including a public meeting held on February 14, 2022, at the Fox Lions Community Center. For additional context, please see the original 2022 press release.

Photo of a dozer with a shear blade attachement. The dozer is next to a large work truck in a wooded area on a snowy road.
Shear blade equipment utilized to mechanically treat fuel breaks.
A shaded fuel break shows black spruce trees that have significant distances between them in a forested area.
Example of a hand-treated shaded fuel break after work is done.
A photo of a very thickly wooded area with a large, meadow like clearing between sections of the woods to stop a fire from progressing and provide firefighters a space to work out of defensively.
Example of a mechanically treated fuel break after the work has been completed.

About the Project: The Washington Creek Fuel Break will establish a 300 foot wide, approximately 12-mile shear-bladed dozer line to the north of Haystack Mountain. The Washington Creek and Haystack fire breaks are critical to protecting more than 200 homes in the area from the increasing threat of wildfires. The fuel breaks will:

  • Enhance public safety by providing firefighters with tactical alternatives to suppress fast-moving wildfires.
  • Reduce fire intensity by creating a more mosaic and fire-resistant landscape.
  • Support local wildlife habitat by promoting the growth of birch and aspen in treated areas.

This initiative builds on the recommendations of the CWPP and incorporates lessons learned from past wildfires in the area, such as the 2021 Haystack Fire and the 2004 Boundary Fire. Once completed, the fuel breaks will provide strategic fire resistance barriers, aiding both the safety of the community and firefighting efforts.

We appreciate the community’s continued support and cooperation as this critical work gets underway. Public access to winter trails in the area will remain open during the project.  However, be aware of active heavy equipment operations. 

For further details or questions about the project, please contact Ernest Prax, Fairbanks Area Assistant Fire Management Officer, at (907) 450-9761or ernest.prax@alaska.gov.

Thank you for your patience as we take proactive measures to reduce wildfire risk and protect the Haystack Mountain community.

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Categories: Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF), Fuel Break Project

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