Firefighters yesterday contended with gusty winds on the Ninetyeight Fire (#218), which has now grown to 15,321 acres after merging with the Brigadier Fire (#203). Later in the day, increased humidity, cooler temperatures, and cloud cover helped crews secure line. Crews focused on water bucket drops between Mile 33 and Mile 35 of the Salcha River to support line construction, while work continued on a strong fire break on the eastern edge to protect Alaska Native allotments. In the black tundra reburn area, firefighters found no remaining heat. To the north, crews worked to widen fire lines to protect military infrastructure and hold the fire south of Brigadier Road.
Today’s forecast calls for cooler, more humid weather, which could help moderate fire behavior, though fuels remain extremely dry after recent red flag conditions. Firefighters plan to improve structure protection near Mile 34 along the Salcha River and continue securing fire lines along the river corridor. Crews will also monitor the reburn tundra to the east and maintain protection for Alaska Native allotments, while the northern sector will monitor fire activity near military assets moving further west down Bridgadier Road. Water-dropping aircraft will continue supporting firefighting operations today.
Due to fire crews working in this area, Training Areas 315, 316, 317, and 318 in the Yukon Training Area (YTA) are closed. For public safety and the safety of fire personnel, please avoid this area until further notice.
A TFR is in place over the fire – view more at faa.gov.
The Bureau of Land Management has issued fire restrictions throughout the district. For more information, visit the BLM Alaska Fire Restrictions webpage or contact BLM at (907) 474-2200.
The Middle and Lower Salcha River evacuation levels remain at LEVEL 2 SET, which means be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. The Upper Salcha River remains at Level 1 (READY). Level 1 means “BE READY” for potential evacuation. The evacuation map and other information can be found on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations website at Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations.
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 and on Facebook (@BLMAFS).
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 