Single Publication

Lost Horse Creek Fire Update
August 16, 2023

Incident Commander: Peter Butteri

Start Date: July 28, 2023 
ocation: 22 miles N of Fairbanks, AK
Cause: Lightning 
Fire Size: 9,505 acres
Containment: 16%  
Total Personnel: 369

(Fairbanks, AK) – Crews on the Lost Horse Creek Fire (#296) continue to secure the southern boundary, increasing the amount of containment to 16% (a total of 6 miles). The additional containment came from securing the southeast edge within the 2021 Haystack Fire burn scar. Crews are mopping up the southern edge of the fireline to a depth of 100 feet. The Lassen and Midnight Sun Hotshot Crews are working along the southwest edge, doing a lot of saw work and extinguishing heat in the dozer berms, assisted by the unmanned aircraft and infrared sensors. The Pioneer Peak Hotshots are securing the southwest corner and extending containment line a mile up the west flank. This work is expected to be completed by this weekend.

The line along the southern edge of the fire is being widened and secured. A two-mile-long contingency line was completed west of the fire and a second contingency line was completed southeast of the fire from Haystack toward the Chatanika River.

A weather front coming in Wednesday will likely bring a wetting rain to most of the fire area. Gusty northwest wind and scattered rain is expected for Thursday and Friday.

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: 3/4417 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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