Single Publication

Lost Horse Creek Fire Update

August 17, 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: 16%
Total Personnel: 345

As of 2 pm on Wednesday, the Fairbanks North Star Borough changed the evacuation status from Level 2 (SET) to Level 1 (READY) for all areas impacted by the Lost Horse Creek Fire (#296). This includes all areas within the Haystack subdivision, Upper Haystack Drive, Sharmon Court, Middle Fork Road, and the Poker Flat Watershed.

Crews are closing in on meeting suppression objectives. Based on the most recent mapping of the fire perimeter and fire behavior, a target of 23% of the perimeter has been identified for containment. Currently, 16% of the fire perimeter is contained. Crews are improving containment line by working deeper into the duff and into the burned area to extinguish heat. This work will continue until crews feel confident there is little-to-no chance of fire spread beyond the current perimeter. Work continues on the southwest corner to secure and close any remaining gaps in the southern containment line.

A two-mile-long contingency line was completed west of the fire and a second contingency line is in progress southeast of the fire from Haystack toward the Chatanika River. Crews are utilizing heavy equipment to start working on suppression repair to minimize soil erosion and other impacts.

Rain fell on most of the fire area on Wednesday. Gusty winds and scattered rain are expected for Thursday and Friday.

EVACUATIONS: All areas of the Haystack subdivision are now at Level 1 “ READY” evacuation status. All residents are advised to monitor fire danger in their area. 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 August 26, 2023. For details, see: 3/4417 NOTAM Details (faa.gov).

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

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

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