Yesterday the Ninetyeight Fire (#218) received light precipitation and showed limited fire activity; creeping and smoldering, but no torching. Helicopter bucket drops were again used to cool hotspots on the southwest corner of the fire. The eastern front of the fire is looking good, without much fire activity. The fire perimeter is approximately 5,028 acres in size.
Firefighters worked on cold trailing in a 300-ft section between Mile 39 and the eastern edge of the fire. Cold trailing involves firefighters carefully examining the ground with bare hands to check for heat so they can extinguish any remaining hot spots. Hotshots also worked from Mile 35 headed west, mopping up and improving sawline.
Today, in anticipation of warm, dry weather in the coming days, crews will continue securing the fire’s edge to minimize the chance for additional growth. Firefighters will grid, or systematically search for heat, from Mile 39 towards Mile 38. One crew will likely tie into the river near Mile 35-36 tomorrow, completing the fireline on that section. A helicopter module from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest will arrive today to assist, bringing the total number of personnel working the fire to 79.
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 