This is the last planned written update for fires on the Tanana Fire Management Zone, unless fire conditions change.
The Lush Fire (#199), is located on the north side of the Yukon River across from Rampart and remains at 26,544 acres. There was no precipitation on the fire yesterday, so it was another drying day for fuels. Small, light gray columns of smoke were observed as lingering areas of heat continued to smolder and creep. Most of the activity was on the western side of the fire, away from any values at risk. Today’s weather is forecast to be similar with temperatures in the mid 70s and relative humidity levels anticipated to bottom out around 43%. After this weekend, an approaching frontal passage will bring widespread light rain.
Today, the Wyoming hotshot crew will continue working on the southeastern edge of the fire, constructing direct line south towards Lush Creek. The Chena hotshot crew will be inserted into the area and will work constructing direct line north to tie in with the other crew. Yesterday, five thousand pound of unneeded equipment were backhauled off of the fire and returned to the fire cache in Fairbanks.
The Elephant Fire (#225) remains at 8,941 acres and is located approximately 5 miles north of the Eureka Highway. Fire behavior remains minimal with limited smoldering. Weather was warmer yesterday and with scattered cloud cover. Through the weekend, the temperatures are forecast to reach the low 70s and minimum relative humidity levels may reach the low 50s. There is a chance for isolated thunderstorms today that pose a chance for brief gusty winds and heavy rain. Sunday night into Monday, a southwest flow aloft will bring increasing moisture and better chance for wetting rains.
Today, crews will continue their work of rechecking for areas of heat and mop up as necessary. The plan is for firefighters to be demobilized off of the fire tomorrow.
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, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF), BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 