Single Publication

Lost Horse Creek Fire Update
August 8, 2023

Incident Commander: Peter Butteri

Start Date: July 28, 2023 
Location: 22 miles N of Fairbanks, AK
Cause: Lightning/Natural 
Fire Size: 8,924 acres
Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 222

Please join us for a community meeting tonight, August 8 at 6:30 pm at the Haystack Mountain Laundry and Showers parking lot (5001 Haystack Drive). The meeting will be in person and posted on Facebook.

(Fairbanks, AK) – Firefighters on the Lost Horse Creek Fire (#296) continue structure preparation and protection on Middle Fork Road and Lower Haystack. Crews are securing the control line along the southern edge and scouting the best locations for contingency line going west toward the Elliot Highway and east for what we are calling the Chatanika contingency line.

Fire behavior has moderated due to cooler temperatures, higher humidity, lighter winds, and heavy smoke cover. The fire area will continue to experience dense smoke, but could lift somewhat with expected scattered showers and light northwest winds.

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: The evacuation status for the Upper Haystack has been changed from Level 3 (GO) to Level 2 (SET) effective last night at 8 pm. 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, and residents are advised to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

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 includes 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: Smoke production, transported northward by Chinook winds, has been significant from the 151 active fires in Alaska. 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 1, 2023. For details, see: 3/6714 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