A change in weather has brought cooler temperatures, lower relative humidity, and scattered precipitation to the Ptarmigan Complex. These conditions have moderated fire behavior and given firefighters the opportunity to engage in direct tactics on the Turtle Fire (#243).
Active Wildland Fire
Firefighters continue successful structure protection on the Elephant Fire
Firefighters made significant progress yesterday on the Elephant Fire (#225) north of Eureka, continuing a complex defensive firing operation to eliminate the light, flashy fuels that have been driving fire spread. This controlled burnout operation is being used to protect structures on the northeastern portion of the fire. Firefighters also monitored and improved sprinkler systems around cabins to enhance defensible space. Hotshot crews constructed containment line on the active fire edge in the Minook Creek drainage. Today, crews will begin line construction along the fire’s southern edge near Eureka and continue structure protection throughout the fire area.
Cooler, wetter weather brings much-needed reprieve to the Ninetyeight
The Ninetyeight Fire (#218) experienced a welcome shift in weather, with cooler temperatures, increased humidity, and light rainfall. These improved conditions allowed firefighters to strengthen and secure containment lines on the southern and southwestern flanks yesterday. On the east side, favorable weather helped crews focus on completing protection work for Alaska Native allotments. In the northern division, firefighters used defensive burning techniques to safeguard military infrastructure by removing surrounding fuels and reducing risk to critical assets.
Firefighters on the Himalaya Road Fire use favorable weather to go on the offensive
Firefighters took advantage of precipitation and cooler weather to go on the offensive with the Himalaya Road Fire (#223), Aggie Creek Fire (#268) and Obrien Fire (#172). Operational tactics shifted from building indirect line and firing operations to building direct… Read More ›
Parks Highway pilot cars discontinued near Healy; Reduced speed limit in effect
Key Message: Starting Tuesday, July 8th at 9AM, in coordination with the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, the pilot car operation between MP 264 and 273 on the Parks Highway will be discontinued. A reduced speed limit… Read More ›
Community meeting set for Tuesday in Nenana, as cooler weather aides firefighting efforts on Nenana Ridge Complex
Bonanza Creek Fire (#238): 12,132 acres Goldstream Creek Fire (#270): 18,086 acres Personnel: 303 A community meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 8th at 5:00pm at the Nenana Civic Center. Hear from the Alaska Complex Incident Management Team 2 to ask questions and… Read More ›
Firefighters contain Fortymile Fire; shifting winds drive growth on other nearby fires
Today in the Upper Yukon Fire Management Zone, a red flag warning is in effect until 10 p.m. for the Yukon Flats due to abundant lightning and dry fuels. No significant precipitation has accumulated on any of the other staffed fires within the zone. An inversion of smoke persisted for most of the day, limiting some aerial operations.
Uncle Sam Creek Fire moves to monitor status
Uncle Sam Creek Fire (#376) Acres: 900 Firefighting resources assigned to the Uncle Sam Creek Fire (#376) have been reallocated to other fires due to higher priorities and needs. Despite the increase in acreage, fire behavior has moderated due to increased… Read More ›
Morning rains bring short term relief for firefighters on the Nelchina Glacier Fire (#226)
Light precipitation fell over the fire area early yesterday morning, bringing some much-needed relief to firefighters on the ground at the Nelchina Glacier Fire (#226), 4 miles south of Eureka Roadhouse. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity associated with the passing… Read More ›
Holding the line while the weather shifts on the Twelvemile Lake Fire
Fire activity increased slightly on Sunday, with both the Twelvemile Lake (#220) and Sand Lake (#292) fires showing some growth. Twelvemile Lake Fire is now estimated at 21,986 acres, an increase of 2,330 acres. The Sand Lake Fire has grown… Read More ›