Smokejumpers Combat Wildfires in Alaska
Smokejumpers are tirelessly working to safeguard structures and Alaska Native allotments threatened by the Ninetyeight Fire (#218), located north of the Salcha River. Over recent days, firefighters have strategically set up hoses, sprinklers, and pumps around cabins near Mile 34 and between Miles 37-38. Protective measures have also been established for allotments in the area.
In a separate effort, a small team of smokejumpers has successfully contained the McCoy Creek Fire (#312), which ignited Saturday night between Mile 25 and Mile 26 on the south side of the river and is currently in monitor status.
Additionally, smokejumpers evaluated a structure one mile south of the Marshall Mountain Fire (#193) to determine necessary protective actions should the fire threaten it, as it lies within the 2022 Yukon Creek Fire footprint.
Forecasts predict wetting rain for the area beginning Monday morning, possibly continuing through Wednesday, providing some hope for fire containment. A Type 3 incident management team will take over command of the Ninetyeight Fire on Wednesday.
Currently, a Level 2 (SET) Evacuation order has been issued for the Middle Salcha River from Miles 33-52 due to the fire’s proximity to various structures. The decision, made by the Fairbanks North Star Borough, urges residents and visitors to remain prepared for potential evacuations should fire conditions change drastically.
For updates on evacuation maps and fire status, visit the Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations website at https://www.fnsb.gov/180/Emergency-Operations. Residents can also receive notifications by texting WILDFIRES to 67283 or visiting Smart911.
-BLM-
Bureau of Land Management, Alaska Fire Service, P.O. Box 35005 1541 Gaffney Road, Fort Wainwright, Ak 99703
Source
Photo credit akfireinfo.com
