Single Publication

Lost Horse Creek Fire Update
August 13, 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: 350

(Fairbanks, AK) – To protect values in the Haystack subdivision and along the Elliott Highway corridor, our current strategy on the Lost Horse Creek Fire (#296) is to focus direct containment efforts on the southern portion of the fire. This section of the fire is roughly eight miles or 32% of the total fire perimeter. Fire spread to the north threatens few values and will be monitored with structure protection provided as needed. Fire managers are confident that three miles of the fire’s edge (12% of the total perimeter) has been secured and contained. Structure protection is in place for the community of Haystack and structure assessments continue in the Himilaya corridor.

The eastern edge of the fire, in the 2021 Haystack Fire burn scar, still has minimal heat that crews are monitoring. The contingency line between Haystack and the Elliot Highway has been completed and is being improved. In addition, several other contingency lines are in various stages of planning and implementation.

Our Creek Fire (#271) is at approximately 90% containment and in mop-up status.

Sunday’s weather is expected to be calmer than Saturday with easterly winds transitioning to the southeast. The southerly winds are associated with a higher chance of scattered showers.

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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