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Anderson Complex

Unit Information

3700 Airport Way 
Fairbanks, 
Alaska 
99709 
3700 Airport Way 
Fairbanks, 
Alaska 
99709 

Incident Contacts

  • Fire Information Office
    Email:
    2023.andersoncomplex@firenet.gov
    Phone:
    907-921-2553
    Hours:
    8:00 AM-8:00 PM

Anderson Complex Daily Update for Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023

Anderson Complex
Publication Type: News 08/14/2023

ANDERSON COMPLEX DAILY FIRE UPDATE | SATURDAY, Aug. 13, 2023

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Anderson Complex Fire Information

Phone: (907) 921-2553 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Email: 2023.andersoncomplex@firenet.gov

No growth reported for Anderson Complex after Saturday’s winds

The fires in the Anderson Complex saw no significant growth after being tested by yesterday’s east winds. Crews reported multiple instances of fire-damaged trees falling in the areas where they were working. These trees pose a danger to firefighters and the public, so crews are working to remove as many of them as possible.

A Blackhawk helicopter assigned to the complex made multiple water drops on two small spot fires about 1/4 mile outside the northeastern edge of the Shores Landing Fire (#325). The spot fires were north of the Nenana River between river mile 8 and river mile 9. It is believed that they started several days ago but avoided immediate detection due to wet conditions on the ground. Yesterday’s warmer, windier weather brought the spot fires to life. A squad of firefighters contained both spot fires.

Today, an 8-person wildland fire crew from Joint Basin Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) will work to protect two allotments northeast of the Shores Landing Fire. The Franco Type 2 crew that has been working in the area of the Teklanika River Fire (#257) and Shores Landing Fire is still there today. They are securing fire line where possible, extinguishing burning vegetation, cooling off ash pits and felling fire damaged trees. They are also checking pumps, hoses, and sprinklers near structures and allotments to determine whether they are still needed.

Crews in the Anderson-Nenana Group are maintaining a presence in the City of Anderson and patrolling the Parks Highway north to Nenana. Excess firefighting equipment is being removed from the improved fuel breaks around Anderson. The Anderson-Nenana Group and Clear Group are responsible for responding to any new fire starts within the Anderson Complex.

Portions of the Birch Creek Fire (#285) have received measurable rain. Firefighters saw standing water in the burned area and minimal fire activity during a recon flight over the area yesterday. The Shasta Lake Hotshots are removing trees that have fallen across roads or been damaged by fire in the Rose Hip Creek area. They are also maintaining structure protection equipment as needed and searching for and extinguish areas of residual heat.

Crews are assessing the ongoing need for the sprinkler systems they set up around structures in the North Forties and Kobe Ag subdivisions. Some of these systems will be dismantled over the coming dates and returned to the cache for cleaning or repair so they can be reused. Heavy equipment operators continue 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. A recon flight to assess structures around Dune Lake is planned for today. 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: After yesterday’s strong east winds, there will be another change in the weather today with winds shifting to a southeasterly direction. Wind speeds today will be lighter with the strongest winds staying in the mountain passes to the south of the complex. Gusts could be up to 15 mph on portions of the Birch Fire (#285) and Rock Creek Fire (#287). Conditions overall will be mostly cloudy with a rain shower or two possible.

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.