Single Publication

Grapefruit Complex Update, July 5th, 2024  

Alaska Incident Management Team 3

Incident Commander- Peter Butteri  

Location: 40 Miles north of Fairbanks 

Complex Acres: 87,434

Personnel: 313

 Completion: 25%

Widespread rain led to decreased fire behavior across the complex Thursday. Firefighters were able to close the Elliott
Highway briefly on Thursday to remove fire-weakened trees that could endanger firefighters and motorists as they
travel through this area. Evacuations were adjusted Thursday morning due to the change in fire behavior and weather.
As predicted, the fire area experienced southwest winds gusting up to 20-25 mph Thursday accompanied by 0.5-.75
inches of rain. A wind advisory and 30% chance of rain with a 20% chance of enough rainfall to moisten the ground and
vegetation is predicted today.

The Grapefruit Complex includes the Globe Fire (#253), Iver Fire (#249), Eagle Fire (#306), Wilber Fire (#308), Noodor
Fire (#192), and Fossil Fire (#115). The Elliott Highway has minimally active fires to the east and west of Mile Post 30-50
and is the primary focus for protection. Firefighters are actively safeguarding property and structures in the area, where
fire activity shows signs of creeping, smoldering, and isolated torching within the black spruce. Crews are focusing on
protecting the Elliott Highway, Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Native allotments, public and private structures as well as minimize
impacts to anadromous fish habitat along the Tatalina and Tolovana river corridors.

Evacuations: Evacuation levels were reduced on Thursday (July 4th). The current levels are represented as:
Ready (Green): Elliot Hwy Mile Post 18-30 and 57-65 / Set (Yellow): Elliott Hwy Mile Post 30 – 57 / Go (red): None currently.
Fire managers are re-evaluating their recommendations for evacuation levels today.

Smoke: Air quality in the fire area has improved with rain. However, smoke may still be present on the highway mixed
with fog. Please exercise caution and patience, turn on your headlights to help ensure the safety of firefighters and
flaggers working in the area.

Road access: The Elliott Highway remains open. Expect significant delays between Mile Posts 25-65 if fire activity
increases. Firefighters are working out of Wickersham Dome trailhead with increased traffic and heavy equipment
exiting and entering the area around Mile Post 28. Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities contracted
workers and a pilot car are helping keep the flow of traffic open. Check https://511.alaska.gov/ for road updates.
Temporary Flight Restriction: A TFR is in place during the day to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft.
Closures: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Eastern Interior Field Office closed the western portion of the White
Mountains National Recreation Area surrounding the Wickersham Dome Trailhead at Mile Post 28 Elliott Highway.
The closure is in effect until Sept. 1st, unless the BLM determines the area is safe for public use at an earlier time.

Public Information Map of Grapefruit Complex, July 5

Fri, 07/05/2024 - 11:56

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Public Information Map of Grapefruit Complex, July 5