Single Publication

Lost Horse Creek Fire Update
August 12, 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: 316

Fairbanks, AK) –The Lost Horse Creek Fire (#296) is maintaining at 12% containment on the southern edge of the fire. Approximately 8 miles of the fire perimeter (32%), are targeted for containment. Three miles (12%) are currently contained.

Yesterday, rain was received over the fire area, limiting access to the active perimeter due to muddy conditions. With the weather, aircraft was utilized on the more active fire perimeter on the southwest corner in the morning, but when the storm cell came over the fire in the afternoon, aircraft had to be stood down. Firefighter safety is the utmost priority when operations are being conducted on the fire. Due to the unsafe nature of access under these conditions, fire personnel worked to complete structure protection along the Elliot corridor and further construction of the indirect lines.

Today, the fire continues to be most active on the northwest edge. Heavy equipment is working to strengthen and improve the indirect line. Resource advisors from the local area are utilized in conjunction to heavy equipment operations to ensure that the impact to the environment is minimal. The contingency line is being successfully placed to protect structures in the Haystack and Himilaya areas.

The weekend is expected to be sunny and warm with easterly winds. There is a slight chance of light showers and thunderstorms. Cooler temperatures are expected next week.

Our Creek Fire (#271) is at approximately 85% containment and in mop-up status.

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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