The Chena River State Recreation Site located in Fairbanks has been closed to the public since 2020. The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection was tasked in early August with removing fuels that had accumulated by thinning and trimming… Read More ›
Fairbanks Area Forestry
100% containment reached on Little Chena River Fire
The continuation of moderate temperatures, consistent precipitation, and the hard work by firefighting crews have contributed to achieving 100% containment on the Little Chena River Fire (#499). Division of Forestry Fairbanks Area Incident Commander Ernest Prax praised the efforts of… Read More ›
Containment increases on Little Chena River Fire
Hard work by crews on the ground, with support from the air plus cooler weather have contributed towards achieving 30% containment on the Little Chena River Fire (#499). Crews have now mopped up at least 50 feet into the burned… Read More ›
Favorable weather allows consistent progress on Little Chena River Fire
Higher relative humidity and slightly cooler temperatures contributed to a favorable environment for firefighting crews on the Little Chena River Fire (#499). While some hots spots remain, crews are taking advantage of the weather and minimal fire activity to complete… Read More ›
Favorable weather enables progress on Little Chena River Fire
Another day of moderating weather allowed crews to make solid progress around the Little Chena River Fire (#499) yesterday. Fog and low-level clouds lingered during the morning that gave way to light and steady rain in the afternoon. Even with… Read More ›
Minimal activity on Little Chena River Fire
Morning precipitation, plus a dense layer of smoke and cloud cover yesterday, contributed to lower fire activity on the Little Chena River Fire (#499). The interior of the fire has some active pockets of fire; however, the perimeter continues to… Read More ›
Rainfall overnight reduces fire activity on Little Chena River Fire
Fire behavior on the Little Chena River Fire (#499) was moderate yesterday. Rainfall last night and this morning has lowered fire activity even more today. A dense smoke layer yesterday throughout Fairbanks and surrounding areas limited the use of helicopters… Read More ›
Thunderstorm winds increased activity on the Little Chena River Fire
Around 5PM Friday, thunderstorm activity around the Little Chena River Fire (#499) created outflow winds which greatly increased fire activity resulting in trees torching and up to 50-foot flame lengths. Crews relocated to a safe area while several tankers and… Read More ›
New wildland firefighters spent holiday weekend building skills
While many Alaskans enjoyed a relaxing Memorial Day weekend, 53 wildland firefighters-in-training were getting hands-on field experience at the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry’s Fire Field Day. The Fairbanks Area Forestry staff organized and hosted the event,… Read More ›
Fairbanks Area Forestry to burn hundreds of slash piles near Cripple Creek, Goldstream AK subdivisions
Weather permitting, the DOF’s Fairbanks Area Forestry office will start burning on October 4 and be done by October 29, said fire management officer Gordon Amundson. There are approximately 2,500 to 3,000 slash piles, each about 10 feet around and four feet tall. Local residents may see smoke from the burning.