4:00 PM – Helitack deployed its firefighters and started bucket operations. Air Attack arrived over the fire and guided retardant Tanker -180 for multiple drops. T-180 will return to Fairbanks for more retardant and return to the fire. Four Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT) are making multiple runs, scooping water from Volkmar Lake, and dropping water on the fire estimated to be 10 acres. There are no structures threatened and no need for evacuations.
2:45 PM – Multiple callers reported a lightning strike starting a fire near Clearwater Creek. Delta Forestry Area Helitack confirmed the Granite Fire (#222) actively burning in grass and spruce about 17 miles east of Delta Junction. Air Attack was ordered along with a retardant tanker, four single engine water scooping aircraft and the White Mountain Type 2 Initial Attack Crew from Fairbanks.
This report will be updated as more information becomes available.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 