ALASKA: The total complex size is 572,925 acres. There are over 237 total resources assigned to the various fires, including two Type 1 Hotshot crews, one Type 2 Initial Attack Hand crew, two fire modules, ten boats, four helicopters and various overhead.
Highlights: Heavy smoke significantly reduced visibility over much of the planning area yesterday. Impacts to visibility hamper aerial resource’s ability to support the management actions on the ground. Various tactics being used to manage fire are adjusted during periods of dense smoke and reduced visibility to continue operations in a safe and efficient manner. Once the smoke lifted on the west side of the Pike Creek (#239)/Koktuli River (#240) fires and along the Mulchatna River, aerial resources reengaged to support the effort in keeping that area cool and limit fire growth in and around the values at risk. Resources continue to perform reconnaissance missions to monitor any improvements needed on existing structure protection measures and assess the fuels between the fire and any values at risk. Community members are encouraged to be aware any fire activity in the area and not to interfere with fire operations.
The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place for the area just over fires Pike Creek (#239)/Koktuli River (#240) and Upper Talarik (#205). We currently have a number of aircraft, including unmanned aircraft systems; air attack platform; helicopter operations; and fire bosses scooping water out of Lake Illiamna and dropping it on the fire. Please avoid the area to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft and to reduce the potential for air-to-air collisions.
Weather: Smoke and increased cloud cover resulted in cooler temperatures yesterday which moderated fire behavior. Temperatures will rebound into the mid-60’s to low 70’s today with partly cloudy skies. Winds will shift from the south to the west, then to the northwest in the afternoon with gusts up to 12 mph.
For video on this incident, visit AK Fire Info
