Fires yesterday in the interior produced visible smoke that the public may have noticed yesterday near the Mile Marker 332 Richardson Highway. The Pipeline Fire (#376) was responded to yesterday near the intersection of Johnson Road and Pipeline Access Road, north of Salcha. The 1.5 acre fire was responded to with a Fairbanks Area DFFP helicopter and the Fairbanks 1 fire crew. Firefighters worked the fire until late in the night and spend the night out on the fire. They are currently engaged in work this morning on the fire, which is holding heat in heavy vegetation. There is no risk to structures and no evacuations recommended. The Fairbanks 1 crew anticipates continuing to work on this fire the next couple shifts.
The Old Richardson Fire (#381) was located just off of the north side of the Richardson Highway at mile post 315. This fire was caused by lightning strike and was reported by a member of the public who used fire extinguishers on the fire. The fire was responded to by Salcha Volunteer Fire and Rescue and a DFFP sponsored Big State Fire Engine. The 5’x5′ size fire was determined to have no remaining heat and will be left in monitor status.
The Tatlanika Fire (# 246) began June 20, and and has shown smoke in recent days. The fire is located 25 miles east of Clear. This fire is in limited protection and is being monitored. There is no risk to structures and no evacuations recommended.
Hot and dry conditions across the northern Interior continue to dry vegetation. Areas that experience gusty winds have potential for large fires that may spread rapidly. Today’s weather is forecast to bring abundant lightning across the state. Strikes from lightning may bring holdover fires that may not be visible for days.
The public is encouraged to visit the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center Situation Dashboard for instant updates on fire activity.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 