Today is expected to be another day of high temperatures, low humidity, and wind. These conditions are expected to increase fire activity and smoke across the Ptarmigan Complex. Extreme fire behavior is possible.
Turtle Fire (#243) – The northwest corner exhibited active fire behavior late in the afternoon Saturday. Water scooper planes were ordered to keep the area in check. The Tatanka Hotshots scouted the area and conducted defensive firing operations along Birch Creek. Firefighters continue to maintain pumps and hose that have been set up reinforce indirect line around the Alaska Native allotment boundary near Mile 148 on the Steese Highway. Today, the Tatanka Hotshots will work along the northern edge with assistance from scooper planes again, if that is necessary and the planes are available.
On the eastern edge, the fire backed down the hills and reached the flats. Prevailing winds from the east northeast pushed the fire back on itself as it moved across the tundra in an area with many water features. Big Sky Helitack will assess and prep the structures and allotments along the Yukon River starting on Monday.
In the southwest section of the fire, the Black Hills Module kept the fire on the east side of Birch Creek. They used tactical firing operations along the shore of Birch Creek working upriver to the south to stay ahead of the fire. Today, firefighters will continue firing operations – if needed and when appropriate. They will also explore additional tactics to remove or reduce fuels in the fire’s path while also extinguishing any spot fires on the west side of the creek.
The Turtle Fire was started by lightning. It was reported on June 19 and is burning about 10 miles east of Central and 12 miles south of Circle.
Alligator Fire (#265) – Fire behavior was primarily limited to creeping and smoldering with some isolated tree torching in the interior of the fire. An engine crew from Missouri along with Big Sky Helitack and the Smith River Hotshots continue to mop up and build depth in their line on the north side of the fire. The fire is about 3 miles north of Central. It was started by lightning and was discovered on June 20.
Birch Fire (#256) – An unburned pocket of spruce burned on the northwest corner between the fires edge and the river yesterday. The fire remains within the indirect fire lines. No visible smoke is showing on the eastern flank. The fire, which is about 4 miles northwest of Circle, is being monitored by air. It was discovered on June 20 and was caused by lightning. The Deadwood Fire (#214) is also being monitored. 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.
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Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 