The Level 1 “Ready” evacuation status due to the Elephant Fire (#225) for Eureka and residences along the Eureka-Rampart Trail has been removed. The affected area includes the Eureka Road beginning at Milepost 130 of the Elliott Highway, extending north to the Eureka-Rampart Trail. It also includes the community of Eureka and stretches north past a cluster of structures near Granite Creek. Fire managers believe the current conditions of the fire no longer warrant the evacuation status.
The Elephant Fire remains at 8,941 acres. Fire behavior yesterday was minimal with limited smoldering. Recent rainfall has increased relative humidities and moderated fire activity. Temperatures will increase in the next couple days into the 70s. There is a chance for additional precipitation Friday and Saturday.
The Lush Fire (#199), located on the north side of the Yukon River across from Rampart remains at 26,544 acres. The fire behavior has been greatly moderated due to cool temperatures and recent rains. Today’s weather is anticipated to be similar to yesterday with temperatures in the upper 60s and relative humidity levels around 50%.
Today, firefighters will continue work steering the fire on the northern flank to limit impact towards a cluster of Alaska Native Allotments. Crews will continue mop up work on the southern and eastern edge of the fire and will also continue to secure lines around structures. One crew of firefighters will time out of their assignment today and will return home. Crews are backhauling unneeded equipment off of the line.
Overall, fire managers are monitoring 45 other fires in the zone and will staff those fires if conditions warrant. For a printable version of today’s update, please CLICK HERE.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF), BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 