The Ninetyeight Fire (#218), burning north of the Salcha River, has received sparse precipitation in the last 24 hours, and has not shown any growth in the past several days. There is not any significant smoke visible near the fire area as of today.
Fire behavior on Wednesday included creeping and smoldering, but no torching. Smokejumpers worked along the east end of the fire, strengthening structure protection measures and protection of Alaska Native allotments. Firefighters also conducted mop up in areas of heat, extinguishing or removing burning material near control lines to secure line deeper into the fire’s perimeter.
Firefighters will continue similar work today, securing direct fireline from Mile 40 east, and conducting more structure protection and systematic mop up. If conditions allow, staff will do a reconnaissance flight for updated fire mapping.
The fire will likely receive additional precipitation today.
A Level 2 “SET” Evacuation remains in effect for the Middle Salcha River Miles 33-52. Fairbanks North Star Borough issued the Level 2 alert Friday night due to the proximity of structures to the Ninetyeight Fire. If there is a drastic change in current and expected fire direction, residents and visitors need to be prepared to evacuate.
The evacuation map and other information can be found on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations website.
Text WILDFIRES to 67283 to receive text notifications or go to: smart911.com
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 