The Level 1 “Ready” evacuation notice has been lifted for the Central area due to moderated fire activity and successful suppression efforts on the Ptarmigan Complex. Residents should remain alert, however, as fires are still active nearby and Alaska remains in fire season. Residents can take simple steps to reduce wildfire risk: move flammable items like firewood, ATVs, and gas cans at least 30 feet from homes; clear needles, leaves, and brush from roofs, decks, and yards; trim grass and low branches; and keep the first 5 feet around your home free of anything that could ignite. Cover attic vents with metal mesh to block embers, and ensure water sources like hoses or barrels are ready to use.
The current Type 3 incident management team assigned to the Ptarmigan Complex is transitioning at Type 4 organization with the transfer of command set to take place Sunday at 7 a.m. Firefighters and aviation resources will continue their work on the fires.
The Type 3 team is grateful for support firefighters have felt from the communities of Circle, Central, and Circle Hot Springs. They recognize the impact firefighting activities can have on small communities, given the influx of additional vehicles, aircraft and people and the toll it can have on roads and infrastructure. Thank you for having us in your communities.
There was moderate fire activity across the complex Friday with some areas experiencing isolated torching. Fire continues to creep, back, and smolder in places and there was increased smoke observed due to warmer, drier conditions. The long-term forecast still calls for a southwest flow to potentially kick in by early next week, which should bring wetter weather.
Fire behavior on the Turtle Fire (#243) was moderate Friday with creeping and smoldering observed along with some isolated tree torching. Crow Peak Wildland Fire Module and Alaska Range Suppression Module will continue mopping up hotspots on the north end of the fire. They are working toward obtaining a depth of 300 feet of along the edge without any remaining heat. The Turtle Fire was reported on June 19. It is about 10 miles east of Central and 12 miles south of Circle and was started by lightning.
The Deadwood Fire (#214) is in monitor status. It was started by lightning, was discovered on June 20, and is in Central. The Birch Fire (#256) is in monitor status. It was discovered on June 20, was caused by lightning, and is located about 4 miles northwest of Circle. The Buckley Bar Fire (#264) is in monitor status. It is 17 miles to the southwest of Central. It was discovered on June 20 and was caused by lightning. The Alligator Fire (#265) is in monitor status. It was discovered on June 20, was started by lightning, and is located about 3 miles north of Central.
Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) #: 07/118 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.
This is the final separate update for the Ptarmigan Complex. You can find updated information included in the Upper Yukon Zone daily updates by clicking on this link.
Download a PDF of this update.
For more information, contact BLM AFS Public Affairs Specialist Beth Ipsen at (907) 356-5510 or eipsen@blm.gov.
-BLM-
Bureau of Land Management, Alaska Fire Service, P.O. Box 35005 1541 Gaffney Road, Fort Wainwright, Ak 99703
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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
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 