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Anderson Complex crews eliminate threat to more than a third of structures

More than a third of the structures that were initially threatened by fires in the Anderson Complex are no longer at risk thanks to hard work by firefighters and more favorable weather. Crews remain fully committed to protecting the remaining structures and allotments that are still threatened by fire.

FIRE UPDATE: A Blackhawk helicopter assigned to the complex dropped water yesterday on the southeast edge of the Teklanika River Fire (#257) after an increase in fire activity was observed. Water was also dropped on the Shores Landing Fire (#325) after its western edge became more active. A Franco Type 2 hand crew is still in the area today. They are working to secure fire line where possible. They are also keeping pumps, hoses, and sprinklers running near structures and allotments still threatened by the fires.

Crews in the Anderson-Nenana Group are staying in the City of Anderson or patrolling along the Parks Highway north to Nenana. In Anderson they are frequently checking the pumps, hoses, and sprinklers to ensure they will work if needed. Firefighters working along the Parks Highway continue to assess the protection needs of structures and identify potential values at risk. The Anderson-Nenana Group and Clear Group still have initial attack responsibility for any new fires that start within the Anderson Complex.

The Shasta Lake Hotshots have been working to restore access to the Rose Hip Creek area by clearing trees that have fallen across roads. The crew routinely checks the pumps, hoses and sprinklers around structures and allotments to ensure they are functioning properly. They will continue to search for and extinguish hotspots today in addition to their structure protection mission.

Crews from Kobe, Anderson, Northstar, the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire, K River 1 and Franco Reforestation are maintaining sprinkler systems set up around structures in the North Forties and Kobe Ag subdivisions. They are also working with heavy equipment operators to clear brush and vegetation from around structures or along roads to reduce fuel loads and improve access.

The Rock Creek Fire (#287) has not shown any growth in nearly a week. No crews have been assigned to the fire, but plans are being drafted to protect the structures and allotments in the area.

The Anderson Complex includes the Teklanika River Fire (#257), Birch Creek Fire (#285), Shores Landing Fire (#325), Rock Creek Fire (#287), Bear Creek Fire (#287), Kobe Road Fire (#297), Nenana River Fire (#288), and Nenana River 2 Fire (#289).

WEATHER: The forecast calls for warm, dry, windy conditions beginning today and continuing through Sunday night. East winds are expected today and should be strongest in the Nenana area, with gusts up to 25 mph. Wind speeds should be lower to the south along on the Parks Highway corridor, but 15 mph gusts will still be possible. Firefighters know flames can spread rapidly through black spruce with winds as low as 5 mph. They are ready to act if fire activity begins to pick up.

EVACUATION STATUS: The City of Anderson, the North Forties subdivision, and Kobe Ag subdivision are in evacuation status READY. Individuals in this area should remain ready for possible evacuation.

The Teklanika River, all residents along the Teklanika River, all residents in Clear Sky homestead (not the Clear Sky Lodge), and residents adjacent to Rose Hip Creek remain in evacuation status GO. Individuals in this area should evacuate now. Do not delay. The Tri-Valley School is available for evacuation parking and will be available as an evacuation center, if needed. 

Visit the Denali Borough website for additional information.

CLOSURE: The City of Anderson has closed the shooting range until further notice for firefighter and public safety. Firefighters are working in the area for the next several days. The campground and playground are open.