7:45 PM – Passing storm cells have brought precipitation and erratic winds to both fires of the Sawmill Creek Fire (079). Together it has calmed and then flamed the fires making it challenging for responding firefighters. The helicopter has refueled and returned to doing bucket work. Tanana Chiefs Crew is engaged in saw line construction and hose lay operations. Four Delta Area fire departments are currently on scene. The fires are making their way towards the Gerstle River. The fire has spotted in four different locations across the Gerstle. Air Attack is en route to coordinate aerial resources. A load of Smokejumpers is also en route.
6:30 PM – Sawmill Creek Fire (079) The helicopter is doing bucket work on the smaller fire. The larger fire has calmed down in fire activity and smoke output. The fires are approximately 400 – 500 yards apart. Firefighters are working on the west most flank. As more resources arrive, they will work to get a hose lay around the smaller fire. Local fire department engines and water tenders are arriving on scene. Local dozer operators and a local excavator are assisting by breaking up burning berms on the edge of the ag fields. DFFP White Mountain T2IA Crew has been ordered and is responding from Fairbanks.
5:30 PM — Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection resources are responding to two fires burning at the north end of the Delta agriculture project, just south of the Gerstle River. Multiple forestry engines, Helitack, local fire department tenders and the Tanana Chiefs Type 2 Initial Attack Crew (CORRECTION: Tanana Chiefs Crew is a Small Module of Type 2 firefighters. Winds spread from an agricultur burn into the surrounding wildland. Helitack has arrived on scene and started bucket operations.
No structures are immediately threatened and there are no evacuations.
This report will be updated as information becomes available.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 