A Heat Advisory has been issued for today. The area forecast calls for high temperatures, low humidity, and wind. These conditions are expected to cause increased fire activity and smoke across the Ptarmigan Complex because fuels are more receptive to fire. Please be careful when out celebrating Independence Day today. Charcoal from BBQs and camp fires need to be out cold. A fireworks ban is in place in the area to minimize the number of human-caused wildfires started this weekend.
Turtle Fire (#243) – With winds out of the northeast and higher temperatures Thursday, there was increased activity. The fire backed down the hills along the eastern edge in a mix of spruce, hardwoods and tundra. Small crown runs moving toward Birch Creek were observed as unburned pockets of fuel were consumed. Most of the observed fire behavior was burning toward the interior due to favorable winds. The fire is expected to exhibit similar behavior today due to weather.
The Black Hills Module is working in the southwest area of the fire on the west side of Birch Creek. They are patrolling for any hotspots on the western bank of the creek. Firefighters will also assess what can be done to keep the fire from crossing the creek. The Paradise Type 2 hand crew and the Council of Athabaskan Tribal Governments Type 2 wildland firefighting crew will continue to maintain the pumps and hoses and improve indirect line around an Alaska Native allotment boundary near Mile 148 on the Steese Highway.
Alligator Fire (#265) – The Smith River Hotshots continue to improve their initial saw line, connecting it to the line built by the Alaska Range Module. The hotshots will also mop up any hotspots found. Big Sky Helitack will start on the northeast edge walking south and patrol the east side of the fire looking for hotspots along the edge today.
Birch Fire (#256) – The fire was mainly smoldering and creeping yesterday. It is staying within the indirect fire lines put in by The Black Hills Wildland Fire Module. No visible smoke is showing on the eastern flank. This fire will be monitored by air daily.
The Deadwood Fire (#214) is in monitor status. The Ketchem Fire (#240) and Little Mosquito Fire (#241) are out.
A Level 1 “Ready” Alert remains in effect for the community of Central, the Steese Highway from Milepost 123 to Milepost 151, Circle Hot Springs Road and Circle Hot Springs, and Deadwood Creek Road. Drivers should expect traffic delays on the Steese Highway, Circle Hot Springs Road, and Deadwood Creek Road due to firefighting operations. A Level 1 “Ready” alert means: begin preparing for a potential evacuation; make plans for family members with special needs, pets, or livestock; gather essential items such as prescriptions, important documents, and valuables; and stay alert and watch for updates from local authorities.
NOTAM #06/201 is in place for the Central Airport (CEM): Increased air traffic 5,000 ft MSL and below within a 20 nautical mile radius of the Central Airport (CEM) due to firefighting aviation operations.
Download a PDF of this update HERE.
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Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 