On Sunday, helicopter bucket work continued on the north side of the Ninetyeight Fire (#218) to cool hotspots where fire behavior was active, including the northeast side where fire was backing towards the north in one section with creeping, smoldering, and some torching in the hills of military land to the north. Heat was observed in pockets but was not continuous. Fire behavior was not very active on the southern side.
Crews are making good progress with mop up, working east to west adding depth. Sunday, crews worked on the southwest edge of the fire where bucket drops had occurred the day before, in order to tie up the southwest corner. Today, crews will continue working direct on fire line along the southern edge of the fire; they will complete mop up near Mile 37 and continue mopping up to the west. Crews will also improve line and mop up from River Mile 35 to the east.
Warm and dry weather is expected over the next few days, which will increase the likelihood for more active fire behavior.
A Level 1 “READY” Evacuation remains in effect for the Salcha River corridor (Upper, Middle and Lower Salcha River evacuation zones). Level 1 means “BE READY” for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of danger in their area and monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information.
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
Additional information on wildfires across Alaska, including the Ninetyeight Fire, can be found at: https://akfireinfo.com/ or by calling: (907) 356-5511.
Learn more at akfireinfo.com, and on Facebook (@BLMAFS).
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 