At noon today, a Level 2 “Set” evacuation notice is in place for Eureka and residences along the Eureka-Rampart Trail due to the Elephant Fire (#225). A “Set” notice means residents should prepare a “go-kit” including prescription medications, emergency supplies, important documents. Plan an evacuation route and keep up to date on the most current local emergency plans. Know where to find the most current information from local authorities. Create a personal wildland fire action plan. Plan multiple escape routes, make sure all those residing within the home know the plan and practice evacuation procedures so everyone is familiar with the plan. Citizens can also follow the Alaska State Troopers Facebook page for the most immediate notification of evacuation changes.
Extreme fire behavior was exhibited yesterday on the Elephant Fire. Winds aligned with the terrain and pushed the fire south towards Eureka dome. Firefighters engaged in defensive firing around the Minook Creek drainage to protect structures. They also scouted ahead of the fire to identify other values at risk. Today, a helicopter will assist smokejumpers on the ground. Active fire behavior is anticipated until moderating weather occurs.
The Lush Fire (#199) also had extreme fire behavior yesterday with wind-driven runs. Winds were sustained at 10-15 mph with gusts to 20 mph out of the east/northeast. There are areas of heat showing throughout the fire perimeter. South of Lush Creek, the southwest corner continued to be the most active area of the fire. Firefighters continued successful structure protection measures in that area. Firefighters implemented defensive firing around a cultural camp on the northeast corner of the fire. The mission for firefighters to provide point protection will continue today, they will be assisted by aerial resources for reconnaissance and potential water drops.
Firefighters wrapped up their work on the Dugan Fire (#354) yesterday and will be transported out of the fire area today.
Overall, fire managers are monitoring 38 other fires in the Tanana Zone and will staff those fires if conditions warrant. For a printable version of today’s update, please CLICK HERE.
-BLM-
Bureau of Land Management, Alaska Fire Service, P.O. Box 35005 1541 Gaffney Road, Fort Wainwright, Ak 99703
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Learn more at http://www.blm.gov/AlaskaFireService, and on Facebook.
The Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service (AFS) located at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, provides wildland fire suppression services for over 240 million acres of Department of the Interior and Native Corporation Lands in Alaska. In addition, AFS has other statewide responsibilities that include: interpretation of fire management policy; oversight of the BLM Alaska Aviation program; fuels management projects; and operating and maintaining advanced communication and computer systems such as the Alaska Lightning Detection System. AFS also maintains a National Incident Support Cache. The Alaska Fire Service provides wildland fire suppression services for America’s “Last Frontier” on an interagency basis with the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Military in Alaska
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 