The Oskawalik Fire (#122), located just south of Crooked Creek, remains active but is showing minimal growth. It is currently estimated at 1,779 acres and is 75% contained. Fire crews have been working steadily to cool hot spots, remove equipment, and protect the community of Crooked Creek. While some smoke may still be visible, the fire is mostly under control and not currently threatening homes or critical sites.
Firefighters focused on the western and northern perimeters—gridding the area up to 50 feet deep and removing 7 miles of hose no longer needed. Boats are being used to patrol hotspots along the Kuskokwim River. Crews will expand their grid depth to 100 feet on the north side and begin flying equipment out by helicopter to the Crooked Creek airstrip. Gannett Glacier crew is completing their final shift and will demobilize to Palmer this evening. As conditions improve, crews will backhaul gear and restore the landscape to reduce any lasting impacts from suppression efforts.
The safety of firefighters and the community remains the top priority. Containment lines are holding, and no heat is threatening those lines at this time. Residents are asked to stay clear of the fire area and follow official updates.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 