Single Publication

Idaho Team 1 IMT 3 takes command of McDonald Fire, crews continue securing fireline

Size:  172,236

Personnel:  100

Start Date: June 8, 2024

Cause:  Lightning

FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Today at 7:00 am, Idaho Team 1 IMT 3 assumed command from the BLM Alaska Fire Service Type 3 organization. Yesterday, operations personnel conducted a reconnaissance flight over the 5 Mile Creek Area. Despite colder temperatures and precipitation, the black spruce stands and tundra continue to smolder and burn. Firefighting efforts will focus on these areas where movement potential exists. The fire footprint has not changed.

Crews are creating defensible space around cabins in the 5 Mile Creek Area and continuing mop-up operations to secure the fire’s edge. Fire behavior remains minimal, but firefighters will stay vigilant for any potential spotting outside the fireline. A wildland fire module is staffing lookouts. Operations are dependent on weather and safety conditions, with firefighter and public safety as the top priority.

Weather: Potential for wetting rains continue. Smoldering is expected under the canopy and in areas that receive less precipitation. Temperatures are forecasted in the low to mid 50s.

Burn Permits: The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection has lifted the Burn Permit Suspensions for Fairbanks, Salcha, Delta, Tok, and Railbelt areas. Small and Large Scale Permits are required. Burning is allowed today. The fire danger in these areas is MODERATE.  Please check https://dnr.alaska.gov/burn/fireareas or call the burn permit hotline for the Fairbanks Area Forestry at (907) 451-2631 for the most current updates.

Air Quality: The cool, wet weather significantly moderated fire behavior and smoke production. There is still some lingering smoke in the Tanana River Valley. With the decrease in smoke, the air quality is expected to remain GOOD. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital (1650 Cowles St.) has clean-air rooms available for people impacted by smoke open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Find information on how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke at the Smoke Management page on https://akfireinfo.com/smoke-management/.

Evacuation Notices: A Level 2: SET evacuation notice is in effect for the approximately 20 cabins near the fire’s southeastern edge west of the Tanana River. The communities east of the Tanana River are in READY status, including the Johnson Road neighborhoods, Canaday, Harding Lake, Salcha, the lower Salcha River, Hollies Acres, and south to Birch Lake. Find more information and an interactive map of these areas on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Services website.

Temporary Flight Restriction: The temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been adjusted based on public input to give float plane access to Harding Lake. Be aware helicopter operations to support the fire still continue in the area. Visit tfr.faa.gov for more information.