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Forestry responding to new fire east of Delta Junction

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8:30 PM – There is dozer line or swamp around 80% of the Granite Fire (#222) perimeter. Areas of heat are still evident in the fire’s interior but progress on containment lines is going well. The incident commander is releasing all of the fixed wing aircraft to be available for response to other fires. One helicopter will remain assigned to the incident for bucket work and additional support needs. Firefighters will work into the evening. 

This will be the last update for the evening. 

5:30 PM – An additional Helitack has responded to the Granite Fire (#222) from Tok, deploying its firefighters and has started bucket operations. Retardant Tanker – 180 continues to reload and return. The tanker and SEATs are working on both flanks of the fire. The Tanana Chiefs T2IA Crew has been assigned to the fire. White Mountain T2 IA Crew has arrived and are engaged with helitack crews in suppression efforts. Dozers are working around the perimeter. Firefighters, engines and water tenders from Delta Junction and Rural Deltana Volunteer fire departments are also assisting in suppression efforts. 

Aerial View of the Granite Fire (#222) with a smoke column showing over the agricultural fields in Delta Junction.
Air attack flying overhead of the Granite Fire (#222) in Delta Junction. Photo: USWFS Ryan McPherson

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. 

Photo of smoke in the distance of the Granite Fire (#222) with a large swath of black spruce and a river.
Smoke column seen from a lookout near Delta Junction, confirmed to be the Granite Fire (#222). Photo by Tanana Chiefs Fire Crew Type 2 IA

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.

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Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP)

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