Single Publication

Lost Horse Creek Fire Update
August 14, 2023

Incident Commander: Peter Butteri

Start Date: July 28, 2023 
Location: 22 miles N of Fairbanks, AK
Cause: Lightning  
Fire Size: 9,505 acres
Containment: 12%  
Total Personnel: 360

(Fairbanks, AK) – The Midnight Sun and Pioneer Peak Interagency Hotshot Crews arrived on the Lost Horse Creek Fire (#296) on Saturday, joining the Lassen Hotshots. The crews were flown into the southwest corner and will spend the next several days going direct to contain the western edge where they can do so safely. Direct line along the southern edge of the fire has been completed and crews are increasing the depth up to 50 feet in some areas. Although the southern border has been contained, due to more accurate mapping, that line still represents approximately 12% of the fire perimeter. Firefighters continue to monitor the minimal fire behavior in the 2021 Haystack Fire burn scar.

Several contingency (or indirect) lines are in progress. A line from the Haystack area to the Elliot Highway is in place and work is ongoing to strengthen it. A second line north of the Elliot Highway and west of the fire is in progress. Plans for a shaded fuel break from the Haystack area running east towards the Chatanika River are expected to be implemented early in the week. These three indirect lines effectively box in the fire area on three sides and may serve as fire breaks in the future.

Our Creek Fire (#271) is 100% contained.

Early this week, we expect to see the possibility of light rain and scattered thunderstorms in the fire area. Although the deep duff layers remain dry, fire activity remains low and light winds are not expected to significantly increase fire activity.

EVACUATIONS: The Haystack subdivision remains at a Level 2 (SET). Residents are advised to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. For more information: Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK | Official Website (fnsb.gov); Find My Neighborhood (arcgis.com)

CLOSURES: Alaska State Parks has closed the Olnes Pond campground to support fire operations. The BLM Eastern Interior Field Office issued an evacuation and closure order for the western portion of the White Mountains National Recreation Area. See: Alaska Fire Restrictions | Bureau of Land Management (blm.gov).

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY: Any community adjacent to an active fire may experience periods of degraded air quality. For smoke forecast and air quality measures, see Fire and Smoke Map (airnow.gov).

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS (TFR) are in effect until September 9, 2023. For details, see: 3/0799 NOTAM Details (faa.gov).

Public Information: (907) 921- 2555       
Media Inquiries: (907) 921- 2554

Email: 2023.LostHorseCreek@firenet.gov  
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/AlaskaDNRDOF

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