*** This is an updated article about the Ninetyeight Fire due to change in evacuation status.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 2nd. Hot, dry, and windy conditions are expected across the Central and Eastern Interior Wednesday. This will combine with very dry surface fuels resulting in critical fire weather conditions.
Higher temperatures, lower humidity, and winds increased fire behavior yesterday on the Ninetyeight Fire (#218), burning north of the Salcha River. The fire was most active on the western edge and in the southwest corner, with some backing and torching. Some flareups were observed in the interior of the fire perimeter, though not on the side of the fire near the river. There was some movement to the west, where a large smoke column was visible. Fire personnel will do a reconnaissance flight over this area today.
Firefighters made good progress on a section between Mile 39 and the eastern edge of the fire, completing 4,000 feet of line and cold-trailing 50 feet in from the perimeter. Hotshots cut saw line and mopped up from near Mile 37 to Mile 35 and continued to work the southwest corner of the fire, with assistance from helicopter bucket drops to cool hotspots.
Today, firefighters will continue gridding and mopping up behind structures and securing the southern edge of the fire. Hotshots will work around the southwest corner of the fire, cooling hot spots with bucket drops and hose lays to ensure fireline withstands likely increases in fire behavior in the coming days, to protect the Salcha River corridor.
Evacuation levels for the Salcha River corridor Middle and Lower evacuation zones have been elevated to a Level 2 “SET.” A level 2 “SET” means there is a significant danger in your area, and you should be prepared in a moment’s notice to evacuate. A Level 1 “READY” Evacuation remains in effect for the Salcha River corridor Upper evacuation zone. 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 