The Ninetyeight Fire (#218) continues to challenge crews with warm, dry weather conditions that have led to moderate fire behavior. Over the weekend, fire activity slightly increased, with creeping and smoldering observed along the southern edge, while single-tree torching occurred in the north.
Despite these conditions, fire crews continue to make good progress. Personnel concentrated their efforts Sunday on strengthening the southern fireline. Crews installed sprinkler systems in smoldering timbered areas and removed vegetation to reduce fuel. The northern fireline remains closely monitored, especially near sensitive military assets.
Today, coordinated efforts between U.S. Forest Service Region 10 and Big River crews are expected to continue along the southern fireline, moving from east to west. Two helicopters are assigned to assist with supply deliveries and water drops as necessary. Fire activity near Brigadier Road and along the northern edge will also be under observation throughout the day.
A shift in weather patterns is anticipated, as high pressure is expected to give way to a low-pressure system moving in from the west. Thunderstorms are likely Monday afternoon, followed by overnight wetting rain. Scattered light showers are expected to continue into Tuesday.
Public Safety Alerts:
- Salcha River Boaters: Please use extreme caution between Mile 30 and Mile 42 due to high levels of fire-related boat traffic.
- Yukon Training Area Closures: Training Areas 315, 316, 317, and 318 are currently closed to ensure the safety of both firefighters and the public.
- Airspace Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect over the fire. Visit tfr.faa.gov for details.
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. Text WILDFIRES to 67283 to receive text notifications.
Additional information on wildfires across Alaska, including the Ninetyeight Fire, can be found at: Alaska Wildland Fire Information akfireinfo.com or by calling: (907) 356-5511 and on Facebook (@BLMAFS).
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 