Single Publication

Lost Horse Creek Fire Update
August 10, 2023

Incident Commander: Peter Butteri

Start Date: July 28, 2023
Location: 22 miles N of Fairbanks, AK
Cause: Lightning/Natural
Fire Size: 9,047 acres
Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 285

(Fairbanks, AK) – Firefighters on the Lost Horse Creek Fire (#296) are making good progress to secure the southern edge of the fire. Crews are mopping up the southeast side of the fireline and going direct on the southwest edge. Masticators have made it all the way to the Elliot Highway as they open up the old fuel break and continue to strengthen that. Structure assessment has been completed along the Elliot Highway. Structure protection continues on Upper Haystack, Middle Fork Road, and Lower Haystack. Work to build contingency lines continues.

Recent fire behavior has been moderate to minimal with some single tree torching. The weather pattern is shifting again to a warming and drying pattern with possible lightning strikes.

The Sargent Creek Fire (#255) and Our Creek Fire (#271) are in the final stages of mop up; the fires at Murphy Creek (#320), Treasure Creek (#265), Olnes Pond (#250) and Hayes Creek (#266) are in monitor status.

EVACUATIONS: As of Monday, August 7, the evacuation status for Upper Haystack changed from Level 3 (GO) to Level 2 (SET). Residents who evacuated the area may return to their homes. All other roads in the Haystack subdivision remain at Level 2 (SET). Although conditions are improving in the area, there is still a potential threat. 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 Bureau of Land Management Eastern Interior Field Office issued an evacuation and closure order for the western portion of the White Mountains National Recreation Area effective midnight on August 6 until September 1, unless modified. The evacuation and closure include trails, public use cabins, trail shelters, and the Wickersham Dome Trailhead near Elliott Highway mile 28, which may be used by firefighters. See: Alaska Fire Restrictions | Bureau of Land Management (blm.gov).

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY: The Tanana River Valley and areas north will continue to experience smoke from fires in Alaska and Canada. Any community adjacent to an active fire may experience periods of degraded air quality. Take measures to limit time outdoors and reduce your exposure to hazardous 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: Lost Horse Creek Fire #296 - YouTube

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