The road to get firefighters into the four largest fires in the Bean Complex ends at Manley Hot Springs on the Tanana River. Beyond there, the only route to work is by helicopter or boat. The past few days have been too smoky to allow safe aviation, so a system for moving folks by boat along the Tanana River is used.

Strong and erratic winds from recent thunderstorms pushed the Tanana River Fire (#310), at the confluence of the Tolovana and Tanana Rivers, into new and difficult ground. The firefighters from fires at the western end of the Complex near the Chitanana and Cosna Rivers have undertaken the two-day boat trip up the Tanana to fight the fire there. Yesterday, visibility improved over the fire, and firefighters responded with four water-scooping aircraft to join the attack.

Today, moisture and instability moving into the region will bring continued chances for late day and evening thunderstorms. Thunderstorms may produce lightning and gusty, erratic winds. A Red Flag Warning is in effect through midnight Thursday.

There are 243 people assigned to these fires.  Of the five fires in the 141,004-acre complex, four are under a point zone protection strategy which consists of taking steps to protect sites of value such as cabins, lodges and Native allotments.

·       The Hutlinana Fire (#327) is 407 acres and 75% contained. This is a full suppression fire with the objective of 100% containment and extinguishment. Firefighters expect to complete containment today and will monitor the fire by aerial patrol.

·       The Tanana River Fire (#310) is at 18,466 acres. Resources continue mop up behind firing operations in the Roadhouse area as well as improving a trail to be used as a secondary fuel break between there and Deadman's Lake. Firing operations will resume as necessary to keep the fire in check, and to protect structures and values at risk in these areas. 

·       The Bitzshitini Fire (#312) is at 54,721 acres. Smokejumpers continue to hold and improve the mop up work around the cabins to the north and east of this fire. Point protection remains a priority on this fire.

·       The Chitanana Fire (#315) is at 56,719 acres. Crews continue mopping up around the cabins, allotments, and other structures in the area and conducting firing operations as necessary. Growth is eastward toward the Dragon Fire.

·       The Dragon Fire (#343) is at 10,691 acres. Protection of the structures around Mooseheart Lake continues as the fire maintains a pattern of steady westward growth each day. 

Today’s operations will maintain current point protection, assess the need for future point protection, and continue air operations when visibility allows.

The State Forester for the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection issued an Emergency Burn Closure Order at 11:59 p.m. on July 1, 2022, It restricts all burning that requires a local or state burn permit, including uncontained cooking, warming, and signaling fires. The Alaska Department of Public Safety has restricted the use of fireworks across much of Alaska. Please refer to www.dps.alaska.gov to see if you’re impacted. With the present risk of thunderstorms, please do your part to prevent new fires.

 A second day of scattered thunderstorms and gusty, erratic winds caused several of the fires in the Bean Complex to grow. The Tanana River Fire (#310) spotted across the Tolovana River along the western perimeter. Smoke continues to impede helicopter use for fire suppression and firefighter transport. As point protection succeeds on other fires in the Complex, crews and resources are shuttled by boat from west to east on the Tanana River to attack these spots. Long distances and strong river currents make this a two-day trip to move a crew and their supplies into place. 

With continued warm and dry conditions and the threat of lightning, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect for the fire area through midnight today. Today will be a few degrees cooler with slightly higher relative humidity, but with continued chances for late day and evening thunderstorms. Similar conditions can be expected on Wednesday, with conditions continuing to moderate through the end of the week. 

There are 243 people assigned to these fires.  Of the five fires in the 128,982-acre complex, four are under a point zone protection strategy which consists of taking steps to protect sites of value such as cabins, lodges and Native allotments.

·       The Hutlinana Fire (#327) is 407 acres and 70% contained. This is a full suppression fire with the objective of 100% containment and extinguishment. Two crews continue mop up and snag felling operations around the perimeter of this fire.

·       The Tanana River Fire (#310) is at 16,637 acres. In the Deadman’s Lake area, resources are working to protect approximately 37 structures. Resources continue mop up behind completed firing operations in the Tolovana Roadhouse area to improve a trail to be used as a secondary fire break between there and Deadman's Lake. Firing operations will resume as necessary to keep the fire in check, and to protect values at risk in these areas.

·       The Bitzshitini Fire (#312) is at 48,695 acres. Smokejumpers continue to hold and improve the mop up work around the cabins to the north and east of this fire. Point protection remains a priority on this fire.

·       The Chitanana Fire (#315) is at 55,235 acres. Crews continue mopping up around the cabins, allotments, and other structures in the area and conducting firing operations as necessary. 

·       The Dragon Fire (#343) is at 8,008 acres. Protection of the structures around Mooseheart Lake continues as the fire maintains a pattern of steady growth each day. 

Today’s operations include assessing the effects of continued wind and lightning on the fire area. 

The State Forester for the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection issued an Emergency Burn Closure Order at 11:59 p.m. on July 1, 2022, It restricts all burning that requires a local or state burn permit, including uncontained cooking, warming, and signaling fires. The Alaska Department of Public Safety has restricted the use of fireworks across much of Alaska. Please refer to www.dps.alaska.gov to see if you’re impacted. With the present risk of thunderstorms, please do your part to prevent new fires.

For more information, contact Bean Complex at email: 2022.bean@firenet.gov; or 503-894-6694

Yesterday scattered thunderstorms produced isolated rainfall, lightning, and some strong winds over the fire area. Although the wind helped to clear away some smoke, it was strong enough to keep helicopters on the ground, limiting air operations. Firefighters are implementing a system for logistic support along the Tanana River using boats out of Manley Hot Springs.

Given the continued warm and dry conditions and the threat of lightning, a Red Flag Warning is in effect for the fire area through midnight Monday. Thunderstorms may produce gusty and erratic winds. Conditions will gradually moderate through the upcoming week, with a chance for daily showers and thunderstorms.

The Bean Complex fires are burning in the Tanana Valley west of Fairbanks extending to the Cosna River. The fires are burning primarily in black spruce, most in areas with no record of fire in the past 50 years. There are 261 people assigned to these fires.  Of the five fires in the 122,965-acre complex, four are under a point zone protection- strategy which consists of taking steps to protect sites of value such as cabins, lodges and Native allotments.

·       The #310 Tanana River Fire is at 16,469 acres. In the Deadman’s Lake area, resources are working to protect approximately 37 structures. As weather and smoke conditions allow, firefighters are conducting extensive burning out along the east edge of the Tolovana River to keep the fire east of the river. Resources continue mop up behind firing operations in the Tolovana Roadhouse area as well as improving a trail to be used as a secondary fuel break between there and Deadman's Lake.

·       The #312 Bitzshitini Fire is at 38,197 acres. The northwestern side of this fire is relatively inactive. The southwestern side is showing moderate activity. Smokejumpers continue to mop up around the cabins to the north and east of this fire. Point protection remains a priority on this fire, and firing operations will be utilized as necessary to keep the fire in check. 

·       The #315 Chitanana Fire is at 51,540 acres. Crews continue mopping up around the cabins, allotments, and other structures in the area and conducting firing operations as necessary. 

·       The #343 Dragon Fire is at 6,422 acres. Protection of the structures around Mooseheart Lake continue as the fire maintains a pattern of steady growth each day. 

Significant growth of all fires but Hutlinana is expected over the next several days. Today’s operations include assessing the effects of yesterday’s wind and lightning on the fire area. 

The State Forester for the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) issued an Emergency Burn Closure Order on July 1, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.. It restricts all burning that requires a local or state burn permit, including uncontained cooking, warming, and signaling fires. The Alaska Department of Public Safety has restricted the use of fireworks across much of Alaska. Please refer to www.dps.alaska.gov to see if you’re impacted. With the present risk of thunderstorms, please do your part to prevent new fires. Any new ignitions will continue to impact available resources. Be very careful with off-highway vehicle travel or any other potential source of ignition. 

For more information, contact Bean Complex at email: 2022.bean@firenet.gov; or 503-894-6694

Bean Complex email: 2022.bean@firenet.gov; Tel. 503-894-6694

Bean Complex Update July 3, 2022

The Bean Complex fires are burning along the Tanana Valley west of Fairbanks extending to the Cosna River. The fires are burning primarily in black spruce, most in areas with no record of fire in the past 50 years. There are 224 people assigned to these fires.  Of the five fires in the 113,432 acre complex, four are under a “point zone protection” strategy. This means firefighters assess the risk to identified points like cabins and allotments, and take actions to protect them. This can include clearing vegetation, setting up pumps and sprinklers, and intentionally burning fuels to protect these values from an approaching fire.

Dense smoke over the entire complex yesterday served to moderate temperatures, relative humidity, and resultant fire behavior on all fires. Heavy smoke also prevented helicopter operations, increasing the logistic difficulties in transporting firefighters and resupplying operations. Firefighters have implemented a system for logistic support along the Tanana River using boats out of the Forward Operating Base at Manley Hot Springs.

·      The #327 Hutlinana Fire is under a “full suppression” strategy, where the objective is 100% control of the perimeter, and extensive mop up. The Hutlinana Fire has remained at 407 acres for several days and is 65% contained.

·      The #310 Tanana River Fire, 16,469 acres, in the Deadman’s Lake area, resources are working to protect approximately 37 structures, including firing operations as necessary. Firing operations at the Roadhouse are complete and risk to this historic structure has been mitigated. As weather and smoke conditions allow, firefighters are conducting extensive burning out along the east edge of the Tolovana River to keep the fire east of the river.

·      The #312 Bitzshitini Fire, 38,197 acres, has firing operations underway to secure the southern perimeter to protect 15 structures that have the potential to be impacted by the fire. The northwestern side of this fire is relatively inactive, the southwestern side is showing moderate activity.

·      The #315 Chitanana Fire, 51,540 acres, has continued cabin protection for 12 structures and Native Allotments within 5 miles of the fire. Firefighters are working to point protect cabins and allotments to the southwest of this fire. Firing operations are being conducted as necessary in this area. The fire is moving around the cabins with no major threats at this time. Crews are mopping up the area around the cabins. The fire has burned around the protected structures without damage.

·      The #343 Dragon Fire, 6,422 acres, has structure assessment and protection underway to protect four cabins around Mooseheart Lake approximately 6 miles southwest  of the fire.

Significant growth of all fires but Hutlinana is expected over the next several days. Given continued hot, dry weather with the threat of lightning on dry fuels, a  Red Flag Warning is in effect through Sunday for the fire area.

The State Forester for the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) issued an Emergency Burn Closure Order on July 1, 2022, at 11:59 pm ADST. It restricts all burning that requires a local or state burn permit, including uncontained cooking, warming, and signaling fires. The Alaska Department of Public Safety has restricted the use of fireworks across much of Alaska. Please refer to www.dps.alaska.gov to see if you’re impacted. With the present risk of thunderstorms, please do your part to prevent new fires. Any new ignitions will continue to impact available resources. Be very careful with off-highway vehicle travel or any other potential source of ignition.

  Bean Complex email: 2022.bean@firenet.gov; Tel. 503-894-6694 

Bean Complex Update July 2, 2022 

The Bean Complex fires are burning along the Tanana Valley west of Fairbanks extending to the Cosna River. Fire protection is under the Alaska Fire Service.  

The State Forester for the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) issued an Emergency Burn Closure Order on July 1, 2022, at 11:59 pm ADST. It restricts all burning that requires a local or state burn permit, including uncontained cooking, warming, and signaling fires. 

Of the five fires in the 101,734 acre complex, four are under a “point protection” strategy. This means firefighters assess the risk to identified points like cabins and allotments, and take actions to protect them. This can include clearing vegetation, setting up pumps and sprinklers, and intentionally burning fuels to protect these values from an approaching fire. The #327 Hutlinana Fire is under a “full suppression” strategy, where the objective is 100% control of the perimeter, and extensive mop up. The Hutlinana Fire has remained at 407 acres for several days and is 60% contained. 

There are 224 people assigned to these fires.  Smokejumpers are being returned to their home bases to prepare for new fires, and being replaced by Hotshot and hand crews.  

• The #310 Tanana River Fire, 13,939 acres, has protection for approximately 22 structures in place at Deadman Lake. Work is also focused on the Tolovana Roadhouse at the confluence of the Tolovana and Tanana rivers. Firing operations at the Roadhouse are complete and risk to this historic structure has been mitigated. 

• The #312 Bitzshitini Fire, 34,178 acres, has firing operations underway to secure the southern perimeter to protect 15 structures that have the potential to be impacted by the fire. 

• The #315 Chitanana Fire, 47,444 acres, has continued point protection for 12 structures and Native allotments within 5 miles of the fire. The fire has burned around the protected structures without damage. 

• The #343 Dragon Fire, 5,766 acres, has structure assessment and protection underway to protect four cabins around Mooseheart Lake approximately 6 miles southwest of the fire. 

The fires are burning primarily in black spruce, most in areas with no record of fire in the past 50 years. Overall, the complex (except 327-Hutlinana) grew steadily with some moderation from smoke shading, gaining approximately 13,000 acres in the past 24 hours. Significant growth of all fires but 327- Hutlinana is expected over the next several days. Given continued hot, dry weather with the threat of lightning on dry fuels, the National Weather Service a Red Flag Warning is in effect through later this evening for the fire area. 

Today, firefighters will continue to monitor and backfire around cabins and containment lines. Mop-up and snag felling will continue around the 327-Hutliana Fire. On the 310-Tanana River Fire, structure protection and mop-up behind firing operations continue. If weather allows, firefighters will use an Unmanned Aerial System (drone) to burn out fire line against the Tolovana River to keep the fire east of the river. 

The Alaska Department of Public Safety has restricted the use of fireworks across much of Alaska. Please refer to www.dps.alaska.gov to see if you’re impacted. With the continued risk of thunderstorms, please do your part to prevent new fires. Any new ignitions will continue to impact available resources. Be very careful with off-highway vehicle travel or any other potential source of ignition.  

Bean Complex email: 2022.bean@firenet.gov; Tel. 503-894-6694

Bean Complex Update July 1, 2022

The Bean Complex fires are burning on lands managed by DOI Bureau of Land Management and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, along the Tanana Valley west of Fairbanks extending to the Cosna River. Fire protection is under the Alaska Fire Service.

The State Forester for the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) has issued an Emergency Burn Closure Order. The order goes into effect Friday night, July 1, 2022, at 11:59 pm ADST. It restricts all burning that requires a local or state burn permit, including uncontained cooking, warming, and signaling fires.

Of the five fires in the 88,629 acre complex, four are under a “point zone protection” strategy. This means firefighters assess the risk to identified points like cabins and allotments, and take actions to protect them. This can include clearing vegetation, setting up pumps and sprinklers, and intentionally burning fuels to protect these values from an approaching fire.

The #327 Hutlinana Fire is under a “full suppression” strategy, where the objective is 100% control of the perimeter, and extensive mop up. The Hutlinana Fire has remained at 407 acres for several days and is 53% contained.

·      The #310 Tanana River Fire, 13,322 acres, has structure protection underway near Deadman Lake, where firefighters are focused on protecting 22 structures. Work is also focused on the Tolovana Roadhouse at the confluence of the Tolovana and Tanana Rivers. Firing operations are complete and risk to this historic structure has been mitigated.

·      The #312 Bitzshitini Fire, 24,428 acres, has firing operations underway to secure the southern perimeter to protect structures.

·      The #315 Chitanana Fire, 44, 834 acres, has continued cabin protection in place. The fire has burned around the protected area without damage to structures.

·      The #343 Dragon Fire, 5,638 acres, has structure assessment and protection underway to protect cabins around  Mooseheart Lake approx. 6 miles southwest  of the fire.

Bean Complex email: 2022.bean@firenet.gov; Tel. 503-894-6694

Bean Complex Update June 30, 2022

The Bean Complex fires are burning on lands managed by DOI Bureau of Land Management and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, along the Tanana Valley west of Fairbanks extending to the Cosna River. Fire protection is under the Alaska Fire Service.

This complex is now comprised of 5 fires, as fires 346 and 366 have merged. The fires are burning primarily in black spruce, most in areas with no record of fire in the past 50 years. The current fires total 64,091 acres. All except the 327 fire are being fought under a “Point Zone Protection” strategy, where structures are protected with minimal fire perimeter control work. Fire 327 is a full suppression fire.

The fire numbers, names, and acreage as of 6/30 are:

310 - Tanana River 9,279 acres; 312/342 - Bitzshitini 16,940 acres; 315/314 - Chitanana 32,462 acres;                   327 - Hutlinana 407 acres; 343 Dragon and 366 Oval have merged into the 5,003 acre Dragon Fire.

·      The Tanana River Fire  has structure protection underway near Deadman Lake, where smokejumpers are focused on protecting 12 cabins by clearing brush and setting up pumps and sprinklers. Work is also focused around the Roadhouse, where firing operations with helicopter bucket support is underway.

·      On the Bitzshitini Fire smokejumpers are working to protect structures.

·      On the Chitanana Fire smokejumpers and one Hotshot crew are protecting approximately 10 cabins.

·      On the Hutlinana Fire three crews of firefighters are mopping and securing fire line, with up to 300’ cold perimeter achieved in some areas.

·      The Dragon Fire is burning within a 2018 wildfire scar. Firefighters are monitoring for any southward spread that could require structure protection.

Today firefighters will continue protection of structures utilizing pumps and sprinklers, and conduct firing operations where the fire is approaching structures. Work will continue to mop and secure the Hutlinana Fire.

Weather conditions for the upcoming week will favor rapid rate of fire spread with high temperatures, low humidity, and enough wind to drive the fires. The weather will become progressively warmer and the air mass drier through the week. All fires except Hutlinana are expected to show moderate to large growth.

With the risk of thunderstorms late in the week, please do your part to prevent new fires. Any new ignitions will continue to impact available resources. Be very careful with off-highway vehicle travel or any other potential source of ignition.

Bean Complex email: 2022.bean@firenet.gov; Tel. 503-894-6694

Bean Complex Update June 29, 2022

The Bean Complex fires began due to lightning between June 19 and June 23. The fires are burning on lands managed by DOI Bureau of Land Management and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, generally along the Tanana Valley west of Fairbanks extending to the Cosna River. Fire protection is under the Alaska Fire Service.

The Bureau of Land Management and Alaska DNR have delegated responsibility for fighting these fires to Northwest Team 7, an interagency incident management team from the Pacific Northwest. The Team assumed responsibility Wednesday morning, June 29.

This complex is comprised of 6 fires, for a total of 43,364 acres. The fire numbers, names, and acreage as of 6/29 are:

310 - Tanana River 7,694 acres; 312/342 - Bitzshitini 12,594 acres; 315/314 - Chitanana 19,554 acres;                   327 - Hutlinana 410 acres; 343 - Dragon 1,855 acres; 366 - Oval 276 acres.

The fires are burning primarily in black spruce. Weather conditions for the upcoming week will favor rapid rate of spread with high temperatures, low humidity, and enough wind to drive the fires. The weather will become progressively warmer through the week, leading to the potential for increased fire behavior and rapid spread rates where weather, fuels and terrain align.

·      Fire 310 has structure protection underway near Deadman Lake, where smokejumpers are focused on protecting 12 cabins by clearing brush and setting up pumps and sprinklers.

·      Fire 312, smokejumpers are working to protect structures. Fire 315, Smokejumpers and one Hotshot crew are protecting approx. 10 cabins on the 315 Fire.

·      327 Fire, three crews of firefighters have achieved 50% containment and are progressing toward the objective of full containment.

·      343 and 366 Fires are burning within a 2018 wildfire scar, which moderates fire behavior. Firefighters are monitoring for any southward spread that could require structure protection.

Please do your part to prevent new fires. Be very careful with off-highway vehicle travel or any other potential source of ignition.

Minto Lakes Daily Fire Update July 18, 2022

Acres: 37,554 acres | Containment: 53% | Total personnel: 177

Start Date: June 21, 2022, | Cause: Lightning| Location: Located between Washington Creek and the Chatanika River Fuels: Hardwoods and hardwood litter, timber, black spruce

Highlights: The light but consistent precipitation over the fire has helped firefighters improve and maintain containment. The areas of heat left in the deep duff will require significant wetting rain to be fully extinguished. Back hauling of unneeded equipment is nearly complete. Repair work continues over all areas of the fire.

Please continue to limit unnecessary travel to areas around the fire perimeter where fire personnel are working. This includes the Murphy Dome area down to the MDR Boat Ramp and the Chatanika River. Equipment and fire fighters are working around the Hayes and Himilaya Subdivisions, please use caution in these areas.

Operations:  The fire activity remains diminished with a few spots of heat in black spruce stringer, large diameter logs and in deep duff. Due to more consistent weather conditions and hard work, resources have been able to improve the overall objectives. The incident focus is shifting to securing the footprint of the fire and maintaining the fire within it. Firefighters will continue to tactically patrol around the values at risk. Heavy equipment is beginning suppression repair of the dozer line that was put in place to protect the communities east of the fire. Structure preparation work has been completed, among the communities of Himilaya and Hayes Creek and un-needed supplies are being removed. Along the Chatanika river moving west from the communities of the Himilaya/Hayes Creek assessments along the river, as well as the structure group around the Murphy Dome area have been completed and logged for later use.  Resource Advisors have been assigned to the incident for the protection of both natural and cultural resources and endangered species.

Evacu ations: For the Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations evacuation map. Follow the FNSB Government Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FNSBGov) for updates and notifications. Receive FNSB Emergency Alerts via text message by texting: FNSBWildFire2022 to 67283.https://tinyurl.com/MintoLakes. Follow the FNSB Government Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FNSBGov) for updates and notifications. Receive FNSB Emergency Alerts via text message by texting: FNSBWildFire2022 to 67283.

Minto Lakes Daily Fire Update July 17, 2022

Acres: 37,554 acres | Containment: 52% | Total personnel: 261

Start Date: June 21, 2022, | Cause: Lightning| Location: Located between Washington Creek and the Chatanika River Fuels: Hardwoods and hardwood litter, timber, black spruce

Highlights: Firefighters continue to take advantage of the continued precipitation and are working hard to improve and maintain containment of the fire. These include areas of heat left in the deep duff. Resources continue to mop up and back haul equipment no longer needed across all Divisions. Repair work is being done in areas where suppression efforts were successfully completed.

Please continue to limit unnecessary travel to areas around the fire perimeter where fire personnel are working. This includes the Murphy Dome area down to the MDR Boat Ramp and the Chatanika River. Equipment and fire fighters are working around the Hayes and Himilaya Subdivisions, please use caution in these areas.

Operations:  The fire activity diminished further today due to precipitation, excellent humidity recovery, and cooler temperatures. The incident focus is shifting to securing the footprint of the fire and maintaining the fire within it. Helicopters and boats are being utilized to retrieve equipment no longer needed. Firefighters will continue to mop up and tactically patrol around the values at risk. Heavy equipment is beginning suppression repair of the dozer line that was put in place to protect the communities east of the fire. Structure preparation work has been completed, among the communities of Himilaya and Hayes Creek and un-needed supplies are being removed. Along the Chatanika river moving west from the communities of the Himilaya/Hayes Creek assessments along the river, as well as the structure group around the Murphy Dome area have been completed and logged for later use. Crews continue to reinforce fire line and mop up heat around the Native allotments on the southwestern flank. Resource Advisors have been assigned to the incident for the protection of both natural and cultural resources and endangered species.

Evacu ations: For the Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations evacuation map. Follow the FNSB Government Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FNSBGov) for updates and notifications. Receive FNSB Emergency Alerts via text message by texting: FNSBWildFire2022 to 67283.https://tinyurl.com/MintoLakes. Follow the FNSB Government Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FNSBGov) for updates and notifications. Receive FNSB Emergency Alerts via text message by texting: FNSBWildFire2022 to 67283.