FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., June 27, 2022 — The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team, led by Eric Schroder, are completing their assessment of the Pipeline Fire. The team is completing risk assessments to critical BAER values on National Forest System lands, proposing possible post-fire emergency stabilization actions, and completing the Burned Area Report.  Critical BAER values for the Pipeline Fire include the following: Human Life and Safety; Forest Service owned property such as campgrounds roads, and trails; Natural resources such as soil productivity and hydrologic function, threatened and endangered species habitat, native plant communities and cultural resources.  Today and tomorrow, the BAER Team will gather to analyze the need for any post-fire emergency stabilization actions that could reduce post-fire risks to the critical BAER values and begin writing the BAER assessment report. In the coming days, the Pipeline BAER team will present these findings and any treatment recommendations to the Forest Supervisor of the Coconino National Forest in a report that identifies immediate and emergency stabilization actions needed to address potential post-fire risks to the critical BAER values on National Forest System lands.  Threats to critical values not located on National Forest System lands will be communicated to partner agencies.  The BAER assessment describes watershed pre- and post-fire response information, areas of concern for human life, safety, natural resources, cultural resources, property, and recommended short-term emergency stabilization actions for federal lands that are at risk. In most cases, only a portion of the burned area is actually treated. If treatments are approved for implementation, the goal is to implement the as soon as possible. Timely implementation is critical if BAER emergency response actions are to be effective. The BAER assessment team coordinates with other federal and local agencies, including Coconino County that may assist private landowners in preparing for increased run-off and potential flooding.   Concurrent with these activities, the team is beginning to make soil burn severity assessments of the Haywire Fire.  BAER teams analyze the data they collect during field surveys, to produce a “Soil Burn Severity” map. This is the first step in assessing potential watershed impacts from wildfires to values that may be at-risk from potential increased flooding, sedimentation, debris flows, and rockslides. BAER emergency stabilization efforts are focused on the protection of human life, safety and property, as well as critical cultural and natural resource values.   For more information, please see the attached link for the Pipeline Fire BAER Inciweb site at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8168/ and the Haywire Fire BAER Inciweb site at  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8179/.

   

Size: 72,157 acres                                                                                                Location: 6 miles west of Anderson, Alaska
Completion: 56%                                                                                                Personnel: 557
Start Date: June 21, 2022                                                                                Cause: Natural, Lightning
Fuels: A mix of tundra, brush, hardwood, and black spruce                          

 

Summary: Over the past week, the immediate threat to values at risk has been significantly curbed by weather, and fire activity has been minimal. This has allowed fire managers to confirm conditions more thoroughly on the ground. As a result, there are changes to today’s map that reflect what was found in this reconnaissance. Changes can be seen in the northwest and northeast sections of the fire. Crews have found spots west of the Teklanika River in Div A/O. In Div B, ground resources are confirming that slough areas are effectively acting as natural barriers to fire spread. Fire managers agree these conditions warrant the perimeters in Divs A/O/B remain in uncontained status. It will take a season-ending event to fully stop the consumption of deep duff fuels. Sustained precipitation will eventually foster containment in this area.

 

Weather: Skies are cloudy today with temperatures in the mid-60s and there is a 40 percent chance of rain with relative humidity of 57 percent. Winds are out of the southwest at 12 mph. The extended forecast shows continued cloudy and cool conditions through the coming week. Fire behavior continues to be minimal, primarily smoldering.

 

Operations: In Branch I, operational resources on the northwest edge of the fire are spiked out in an area accessible only by boat or aircraft. They are implementing point protection tactics as needed and patrolling the fire’s edge for any heat and spots. This area should transition to mostly mop-up and patrol in the coming week. In Div B to the northeast, firefighters will scout to confirm the slough areas continue to act as natural barriers to fire spread.

 

Branch II is focused on patrol and mop-up in Div G while backhauling excess supplies. Crews used hoses, pumps, fold-a-tanks, and sprinkler systems to suppress the fire and protect structures. When this equipment is no longer needed, firefighters and ground support begin accounting for and backhauling it to the incident command post (ICP). At ICP, incident staff and camp crews inventory and package the used equipment for shipping back to the fire cache in Fairbanks to be refurbished, and redeployed to other incidents as needed.

 

In Div K to the south of Kobe Ag, firefighters are mopping up and backhauling. Crews are dismantling dozer berms and still finding some latent heat in these areas of deeper soil but uncovering them allows them to cool and diminish.

 

A new division, Div M, was created to focus on protection and suppression efforts around structures and other values in the southern part of the fire. Today, two hotshot crews have been deployed in Div M to improve access points and make plans for structure protection. They are using the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to assist with this reconnaissance and detect hot spots. Fire managers will ensure that crews are supported logistically and safely in this area before inserting them for longer periods.

 

Another new division, Div N, encompasses the west flank of the fire. In this area, the Teklanika River and surrounding vegetation act as natural barriers to prevent fire spreading to the west. This area will be monitored for any needs.

 

Sheltering & Evacuations: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330, visit denaliborough.org or follow www.facebook.com/denali.borough Fire Loss & Suppression Repair: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330

Other Fire Information: Alaska Fire Information, (907) 356-5511; akfireinfo.com, and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AK.Forestry and www.facebook.com/BLMAFS

Size: 72,157 acres
Completion: 56%
Start Date: June 21, 2022
Fuels: A mix of tundra, brush, hardwood, and black spruce
Location: 6 miles west of Anderson, Alaska
Personnel: 531
Cause: Natural, Lightning

 

Summary: Management objectives for the Clear Fire include protecting and/or mitigating impacts to the identified values at risk as prioritized by the cooperating jurisdictional agencies. Operations personnel are coordinating with incident Resource Advisors to document and, if necessary, implement mitigation measures related to watershed impacts, sensitive species, cultural sites and noxious or exotic weeds and aquatic species. These objectives are approximately 56% complete. Completion of objectives more accurately captures and reports the amount of work accomplished on the ground including confinement, monitoring, and point/zone protection.  NRIMT1 is developing an operational plan to downsize to a local Type 3 organization when appropriate.

 

Weather: Cloudy and cool with highs in the low-60s and minimum relative humidity of 55%. The chance of rain increases throughout the day to 60-70%. Winds are out of the southwest at 5-10 mph. Lows on Sunday dipping to 48°. Fire behavior continues to be minimal, primarily smoldering.

 

Operations: On the northwest edge of the fire, crews are patrolling along the Teklanika River looking for hot spots. They continue to find and mop up areas of heat. Firefighters are diligently checking on structures along the river and performing structure preparations if needed. The River Group remains in this area to help shuttle crews and supplies in and out of this north section of the fire.  

 

Yesterday on the north side of Kobe Ag in Div G, firefighters walked the fireline along the west edge of the subdivision. They found little to no heat and will soon be able to remove hose and other equipment from this area. Throughout Kobe Ag, crews are mopping up around structures, performing suppression repair actions such as rehabilitating berms, and backhauling unneeded equipment.  

 

In Div K, on the south side of the fire, crews continue utilizing UTVs and the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to locate options for safe access and for fireline construction. The remote and inaccessible nature of this area presents challenges for logistical support of firefighters and for medical evacuation should the need arise. Fire managers are committed to ensuring safe ingress and egress before fully engaging crews in this area. When they can safely do so, crews will work near the south edge to minimize the chance of fire spread and impact to structures. In other areas of Div K, firefighters are patrolling and mopping up existing control lines and continuing their work on a fireline running southwest from the area of the church camp.  

 

The Structure Branch is assisting with backhaul on the west side of the Nenana River. On the east side, they are helping to update structure protection plans for the city of Anderson and to develop a response framework that can be utilized in the event of fire impacts to Clear Space Force Base.   

 

Sheltering & Evacuations: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330, visit denaliborough.org or follow www.facebook.com/denali.borough Fire Loss & Suppression Repair: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330

Other Fire Information: Alaska Fire Information, (907) 356-5511; akfireinfo.com, and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AK.Forestryand www.facebook.com/BLMAFS

 Size: 72,157 acres Containment: 56%       Start Date: June 21, 2022

Fuels: A mix of tundra, brush, hardwood, and black spruce  Location: 6 miles west of Anderson, Alaska Personnel: 499 Cause: Natural, Lightning

Northern Rockies Team 1 assumes command of the Clear Fire 

Summary: Northern Rockies Team 1 (NRIMT1) assumed command of the Clear Fire yesterday from Pacific Northwest Team 10 and is ready to serve the local community and cooperating agencies. Incident objectives are comprised of minimizing impacts to values at risk: primary structures, private in-holdings, Native allotments, hard-asset infrastructure, Clear Space Force Base, public recreation sites, private undeveloped lands, and natural and cultural resources. Aviation, responder, and public safety are critical priorities on the Clear Fire, and implementation of incident management strategies and tactics will be accomplished through deliberate risk management assessments. NRIMT1 is committed to minimizing smoke impacts to sensitive areas, developing suppression repair plans, and providing timely and accurate incident information to the residents of Anderson, Nenana, the Denali Borough, Clear Space Force Base, and all jurisdictional agencies and stakeholders. The fire is organized into a three Branch structure comprised of five geographic Divisions and four functional Groups. NRIMT1 will stay vigilant to accomplish our mission in the safest way possible as we see changes in assigned resources, fire behavior and Alaska weather.

 

Weather: Very little moisture has fallen in the fire area. Meteorologists are installing a rain gauge at the northwestern edge of the fire perimeter to measure future rainfall. Moisture measurements are critical for use in predicting current and future fire behavior. Weekend weather is forecast to be cool, damp, and rainy, with highs in the mid-60s and minimum relative humidity of 55-65%. Southwest winds are forecast at 10 mph, gusting to 20 mph. Fire behavior is minimal, primarily smoldering.

 

Operations: On the fire’s north side in Branch I, the River Group is using boats on the Teklanika River to shuttle fire personnel and supplies to areas of concern. Divisions Alpha, Bravo and Oscar have been combined with assigned resources patrolling the fire edge, assessing risks to structures and timber allotments. They are also implementing point protection tactics and locating, identifying, and documenting all accountable property on the fireline.

 

On the east side of the fire in Division Golf, firefighters are backhauling excess supplies, rehabbing safety zone berms, patrolling, and mopping up control lines. The goal is to minimize risk, limit fire spread potential, and reduce impacts to community values and infrastructure.

 

On the southern end of the fire in Division Kilo, firefighting crews are patrolling and mopping up existing control lines and assessing locations for future control lines to secure the fire’s southern flank.

 

The Structure Branch consists of two Groups: East and West. This Branch is comprised of structure protection experts who are assessing buildings and dwellings, identifying critical resources and infrastructure assets for fire intrusion potential. In addition, in cooperation with local public safety officials, the Structure Branch is updating and enhancing the Structure Assessment data from the 2009 Rainbelt Complex Fires. A current Rapid Response Plan is also under development that is designed to assist local fire and emergency services agencies with a mutual aid response in the event a wildfire threatens to impact the Clear Space Force Base.

 

Sheltering & Evacuations: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330, visit denaliborough.org or follow www.facebook.com/denali.borough Fire Loss & Suppression Repair: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330

Other Fire Information: Alaska Fire Information, (907) 356-5511; akfireinfo.com, and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AK.Forestry and www.facebook.com/BLMAFS            
                                               

 Clear Fire Command Transitions Tonight; Moisture Continues to Arrive Over Fire

– July 15, 2022 * 10:00 a.m.

 

(Clear, Alaska) – Special Notes: Today will be the last day Northwest Team 10 has command of the Clear Fire. At 6:00 p.m. command will transition to Northern Rockies Team 1. Members of both teams worked together yesterday to ensure a smooth transition and will do so again through 6:00 p.m. today. Northwest Team 10 Incident Commander Al Lawson wishes to thank our cooperators, stakeholders and local communities, collectively “Team Clear”, for their cooperation and for the confidence placed in us during our tenure at the Clear Fire. It was an honor to serve this community.

 

The Teklanika and Nenana Rivers have crested and are not expected to rise further, therefore, the recent flood watch has been canceled.

 

Weather: A cold front moves in today from the southwest with temperatures of 64F to 69F and humidity of 55-60%. Showers will move into the area around 3:00 p.m. and continue throughout the entire day. Winds should be from the southwest at 6-10 mph with gusts to 18 mph. Winds near the Parks Highway gap should be south to southwest at the same speeds. Additional moisture is forecast for Saturday. Combined with today’s precipitation, this should result in rainfall amounts up to 0.50 inches. Sunday and Monday bring more showers to the area, adding an additional 0.25 to 0.50 inches.

 

Fire Activity: Containment of the Clear Fire has reached 56%. There was drying and solar heating yesterday, and this did not prompt any significant increases in fire activity. Fire behavior continues to be mostly smoldering and creeping with the occasional isolated single tree torch. Aircraft identified some smoking areas in Div O, but these are well within the interior of the burned area. Fire behavior analysts anticipate that fire activity will remain mild in the coming days as more moisture moves into the region.

 

In Div K crews are making progress on fire line along the south-east most perimeter, south of the Kobe Rd. They are working to tie this line into a body of water and were near this goal by the end of yesterday. Crews will keep working this line today and will continue adding width to existing fire lines. Firefighters in Kobe Ag are conducting road repair with graders and have made significant progress on several roads. Masticator operators are improving conditions by removing and chipping fuels. The Structure Group remains in Div K locating areas of heat near structures and mopping them up when found. They are also ensuring structure protection equipment is maintained by testing pumps and sprinkler systems.  

 

Yesterday, firefighters in Div G on the north side of Kobe Ag helped transport formerly spiked out crews back to the Incident Command Post. Crews are continuing backhaul and are doing suppression repair work in Div G.

 

Crews from Div B on the northeast assisted with helicopter shuttles yesterday to move crews from the fire area. Div B remains in patrol status.

 

Div A/O on the north and northwest is in patrol status, and crews remain in the area to act on any needs.

 

Sheltering or evacuation-related information: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330, see the Borough’s Facebook page or visit denaliborough.org   Fire loss or suppression repair information: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330.

All other fire information: Clear Fire Information, (907) 290-2921; Alaska Fire Information, (907) 356-5511; akfireinfo.com, inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8178, and on the Alaska Division of Forestry and BLM Alaska Fire Service Facebook pages.

Changing Conditions Afford Firefighters Substantial Progress on Clear Fire; Containment Increases to 49% – July 14, 2022 * 10:00 a.m.

 

(Clear, Alaska) – Special Notes: Tomorrow, July 15 at 6:00 p.m., an orderly transition of command of the Clear Fire will take place between Northwest Team 10 and the incoming Type 1 Incident Management Team, Northern Rockies Team 1. Yesterday, July 13, members of both teams met in Fairbanks to share knowledge and begin this transition. Starting today and until 6:00 p.m. on the 15th, members of the Northern Rockies Team 1 will shadow members of Northwest Team 10 at the Incident Command Post and in the field in order to ensure a successful handoff. 

 

Due to decreased fire activity, recent weather events, and significant progress made by firefighters on the Clear Fire, there have been updates to evacuation notices. For more detailed information, refer to maps at the Denali Borough’s website at denaliborough.org, see the Borough’s Facebook page, or call (907) 683-1330.

 

Weather: Recent rainfall and snowmelt in the Alaska Range will cause the river levels in the Teklanika and Nenana Rivers to run at bank full into the weekend. Subsequently, a FLOOD WATCH is in effect in and around the fire area from tonight (July 14) through Saturday evening. Today should be mostly clear with some smoke lingering early, then sunny skies will quickly dry out the region during the day before scattered showers return. Temperatures should be 67F to 72F, with humidity at 35-40%. Winds should be 6-10 mph with gusts to 15 mph and coming from the west. Winds near the Parks Highway gap should be south-southwest. Another cold front moves in on Friday, bringing additional chances for shower activity leading to a continued cool damp pattern. This next round of showers on Friday and Saturday should add up to at least 0.5 inches.

 

Fire Activity: Over the past few days, precipitation has markedly changed conditions on the Clear Fire. Firefighters have had the opportunity to complete substantial amounts of work; this has resulted in a significant change in containment to 49%. Containment is represented on the fire map as black line at the perimeter. Fire behavior is now mostly smoldering and creeping, and activity is expected to remain mild in the coming days as wet weather systems continue to move in. Heat will keep consuming fuels in the duff, and dense stands of black spruce could show more fire activity should dry weather return.

 

Yesterday, crews in Kobe Ag in Div K improved and patrolled fire line on the southwest and southeast sections of the division. On the southeast corner, masticator operators improved conditions around structures and powerlines by removing and chipping fuels. The Structure Group (also assigned to the city of Anderson) assisted in Kobe Ag by checking around structures for heat, removing unused equipment, and testing structure protection sprinkler systems to ensure they remain in good working order. Firefighters will continue with these efforts today, while crews at the southern portion of Div K continue reconnaissance for better access points to this section of the fire.

 

Firefighters in Div G on the north side of Kobe Ag are backhauling unneeded equipment. Crews in the center and southeast sections of this division are mopping-up and securing the fire’s edge.

 

In Div B, crews are constructing fuel breaks near the northeast edge of the fire. Elsewhere, the division is in patrol status.

 

Yesterday in Div A/O on the north and northwest, firefighters completed their work on the fuel break at the Native allotment on the north edge of the fire. Some crews in this area had been spiked (camped remotely) for two to three weeks, so they were brought out by boats and helicopters, and new crews were brought in by the same methods. Div A/O has now transitioned to patrol status, and crews remain in the area to act on any needs.

 

Sheltering or evacuation-related information: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330, see the Borough’s Facebook page or visit denaliborough.org   Fire loss or suppression repair information: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330.

All other fire information: Clear Fire Information, (907) 290-2921; Alaska Fire Information, (907) 356-5511; akfireinfo.com, inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8178, and on the Alaska Division of Forestry and BLM Alaska Fire Service Facebook pages.

 Moisture Continues Over Clear Fire, Prompting Flood Watch and Changes to Evacuation Notices – July 13, 2022 * 10:00 a.m. 

(Clear, Alaska) – Due to decreased fire activity, recent weather events, and significant progress made by firefighters on the Clear Fire, there have been updates to evacuation notices. The city of Anderson, Clear, Clear Space Force Station, Bear Creek and June Creek have been reduced to “Get Ready” status. All areas accessed by Kobe Road and all cabins along the Teklanika River within two miles of the current fire perimeter ARE STILL IN “GO” STATUS. For more detailed information, refer to maps at the Denali Borough’s website at denaliborough.org, see the Borough’s Facebook page, or call (907) 683-1330.   Weather: Today brings a period of cooling with damper weather. Scattered showers are expected, significantly increasing by the afternoon. Temperatures should be in the low to mid 70s with humidity 39-44%. Winds should be light in the morning and increasing after 11:00 a.m. Winds are predicted from the west for most of the fire area, and from the south-southwest near the Parks Hwy gap. Speeds are 6-10 mph but could gust as high as 20 mph. On Thursday, there will be a brief warming and drying period before a very wet pattern begins across the area. Due to rainfall and snow melt, a FLOOD WATCH is in effect in and around the fire area from Thursday night through Saturday evening.   Fire Activity: With the current weather impacts, fire behavior on the Clear Fire has been mostly smoldering and creeping; fuels are currently less receptive to burning. Closed stands of Black Spruce still have potential for flare-ups if there is solar heating, and heat is still consuming fuels deep into the duff. Recent weather has served to curb fire activity and potential, but it will take sustained periods of wetting rain to continue this trend.   Crews were able to return to work in the Kobe Ag area in Div K yesterday, utilizing a road grader to remove water and smooth out roads. Hand crews worked to improve dozer line on the southeast edge of the fire perimeter. Dozers continued their progress along the Rochester Rd area, and successfully secured this line into Div G to the north. Dozers also pulled down previously constructed berms in Kobe Ag in order to overturn and cool hotspots. After utilizing the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) and gathering information from the flight, firefighters are investigating alternative routes that may allow them to reach the previously inaccessible southern edge of the fire area. Today, crews will continue improving the east dozer line and will keep breaking up berms. The Structure Groups will work around structures in Kobe Ag and continue reducing fuels in the Windy Hills Subdivision.   In Div G on the north side of Kobe Ag, crews are patrolling the northern-most dozer line and removing unneeded equipment. Firefighters are mopping-up in many parts of Div G, ensuring areas of heat are uncovered and cooled. Last night, dozer operators successfully connected the east dozer line into Div K. Today, hand crews will improve this line and mop-up at the edge of the fire.   Div B on the northeast is in patrol status. Resources from Div B are assisting on other areas of the fire. Fire continues to creep and smolder in the north and northwest sections of the fire in Div A/O. The fire has progressed across the Teklanika River in some sections near the Branch I and Branch II break (about midway north-south in the fire perimeter), however, crews are patrolling and have not found any threats. Firefighters have finished installing pumps, hoses, and sprinklers around the structures along the river northeast of the fire perimeter. Today, crews will continue creating a fuel break at the Native allotment at the north edge of the fire and anticipate completing this soon. Div F’s resources have merged with the Structure Group. This group will cover the city of Anderson if needed.   Sheltering or evacuation-related information: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330, see the Borough’s Facebook page or visit denaliborough.org   Fire loss or suppression repair information: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330. All other fire information: Clear Fire Information, (907) 290-2921; Alaska Fire Information, (907) 356-5511; akfireinfo.com, inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8178, and on the Alaska Division of Forestry and BLM Alaska Fire Service Facebook pages.

  A Day of Heavy Rainfall Creates Muddy Conditions on the Clear Fire – July 12, 2022 * 9:00 a.m.

 

(Clear, Alaska) – There is a COMMUNITY MEETING to share information on the Clear Fire TONIGHT (Tuesday, July 12) at 7:30 p.m. at the Anderson Fire Hall, 911 D Street, Anderson, Alaska. The meeting will also be broadcast live on the Alaska DNR Division of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Facebook page.

 

Please drive slowly along the Parks Hwy near Kobe Rd. DO NOT PARK along the highway to observe operations. This creates a safety hazard for both firefighters and the public.

 

Weather: Today should be partly cloudy with smoke lingering over the fire during the morning hours. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are forecast to develop by the afternoon. Temperatures will remain in the mid to high 70s, with humidity at 40-45%. Winds should be light in the morning and increase when the inversion breaks around 1:00 p.m. Winds are forecast from the west-southwest at 6-10 mph with gusts to 18 mph. Winds near the Parks Hwy are forecast from the south-southwest at the same speeds. Overall, temperatures are trending cooler this week with damper weather; there are chances of more showers with possible wetting rainfall in the coming days.

 

Fire Activity: There was significant rain, numerous thunderstorms and lightning for most of the day over the fire yesterday. This created unsafe working conditions throughout the fire area. Muddy, slick, and in some locations flooded roads, limited access until later in the day. The weather kept fire activity to a minimum throughout most of the fire area. While current conditions may temporarily moderate fire behavior, it will take sustained periods of wetting rain to significantly decrease overall fire danger and make fuels less receptive to burning.

 

Heavy rain and lightning in Kobe Ag (Div K) yesterday forced firefighters to seek safe shelter for much of the day. Later in the afternoon, dozers were able to work on the fire’s eastern edge, building fire breaks north to south and eastward toward the Nenana River. Firefighters on the west side of Kobe Ag Rd removed hazard trees and stacked them for removal. Despite the wet conditions, firefighters working the night operational period found several hotspots in the Kobe Ag area and worked to cool them. The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) has been a beneficial tool in helping to locate these spots. Today, crews will keep working on the east dozer line, connecting it north to Div G as well as toward the Nenana River. In the coming days as conditions allow, crews will continue efforts to complete the strategic burning operations along the edge of the Parks Hwy and the Nenana River. The Structure Group will work today in the Kobe Ag area prepping around structures and using a masticator to remove fuel. This group will begin fuels reduction in the Windy Hills Subdivision, located across the Nenana River.

 

Yesterday, on the north side of Kobe Ag in Div G, firefighters monitored for changes in fire activity. They will reengage with dozer operations on the eastern edge today as conditions allow. They will continue building this dozer line east and south into Div K.

 

Div B on the northeast is now in patrol-only status, and some resources from Div B have been reassigned to assist on other areas of the fire.

 

Fire activity is minimal in the north and northwest in Div A/O. Yesterday, crews monitored the area and assisted on other portions of the fire. Today, they will return to their fuels reduction work on a Native allotment, as conditions allow. The River Group had to seek shelter yesterday due to lightning. If conditions improve today, they will continue placing more plumbing around structures.

 

Resources previously assigned to the city of Anderson are supporting efforts in Kobe Ag while remaining prepared to return to the city if needs arise there.

 

Sheltering or evacuation-related information: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330, see the Borough’s Facebook page or visit denaliborough.org   All other fire information: Clear Fire Information, (907) 290-2921; Alaska Fire Information, (907) 356-5511; akfireinfo.com, inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8178, and on the Alaska Division of Forestry and BLM Alaska Fire Service Facebook pages.

Clear Fire Receives Rain but Red Flag Warning Persists with Chances for Thunderstorms and Lightning

– July 11, 2022 * 9:00 a.m.

 

(Clear, Alaska) – Again today, crews may be working near the edge of the Parks Hwy and near the Nenana River (MP 275/276); smoke and flame may be visible. Please drive slowly through this area and DO NOT PARK CARS on the side of the highway to observe operations. This creates a safety hazard for both firefighters and the public.

 

Weather: The RED FLAG WARNING persists today, with predictions for numerous showers, thunderstorms and lightning. The current environment is still quite unstable, and any clearing skies will result in rising temperatures and decreasing humidity. This morning should be partly cloudy with lingering smoke, becoming mostly cloudy in the afternoon. Winds should be light in the morning and increase after 3:00 p.m. when the temperature inversion breaks. Winds are predicted from the west-northwest at 6-10 mph with gusts to 18 mph. Winds near the Parks Hwy gap should be south-southwest at the same speeds. There is an opportunity for wetting rain, and this opportunity increase as the week progresses.

 

Fire Activity: The south end of the fire received ½ inch of rain overnight. Yesterday, weather did not permit crews to continue their work on the burning operation in Div K from Kobe Ag out to the highway. Firefighters plan to continue these efforts when conditions allow. Crews continued to build and improve the fire line from the southeast side of Kobe Ag out toward the gravel pit. There was some increased fire activity in this area, so helicopters dropped water to assist firefighters. Fire crews are placing more water tanks and pumps near the southeast edge of the fire in Kobe Ag as they work to encircle this area and help deter fire movement to the southeast and south. The Structure Groups is also working in and around Kobe Ag, assessing and protecting structures. Firefighters from this group are also assessing structures across the Nenana River in the Windy Hills Subdivision area. The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is flying in Div K to help identify areas of increased heat, allowing firefighters to address those areas before they grow. Crews on the night operational period will be in Kobe Ag throughout the night to protect structures.

 

In Div G on the north side of Kobe Ag, there was minimal fire activity in most areas with more moderate fire activity at the fire line on the southeast edge of Div G. Firefighters are constructing this line south into Div K to help impede the path of eastern spread. Fire line on the north and western edges of Kobe Ag is holding well in Div G, and crews are patrolling these lines.

 

Div B in the northeast has had minimal fire activity for several days. Firefighters here are conducting their final gridding work to ensure the area is free of excess heat. (Gridding is when firefighters space themselves out and systematically travel in a horizontal line together, diligently searching for areas of heat and cooling them as they go along.) Crews will begin to backhaul (remove) excess equipment from this area, leaving sufficient hose lays in place as a precaution. Fire managers anticipate that Div B will change to a patrol-only status by the end of today.

 

On the north and northwest sides of the fire in Div A/O, there was little observable fire activity. Crews are working on a fuel reduction line along the west side of the Teklanika River to protect an allotment on the northwest edge of the fire. They have been able to build upon a previously constructed line from a past fire. This work will continue today. The River Group remains working in this area to reduce fuels and secure structures. Fire has approached the few structures in this area; firefighters have been able to keep it in check and will continue these efforts.

 

Resources from Div F will continue to support Div K and the Structure Group today while remaining prepared to return to the city of Anderson if needs arise there.

 

Sheltering or evacuation-related information: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330, see the Borough’s Facebook page or visit denaliborough.org   All other fire information: Clear Fire Information, (907) 290-2921; Alaska Fire Information, (907) 356-5511; akfireinfo.com, inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8178, and on the Alaska Division of Forestry and BLM Alaska Fire Service Facebook pages.

  Smoke Moderates Fire Activity on the Clear Fire Despite Continued Red Flag Warning

– July 10, 2022 * 9:00 a.m.

(Clear, Alaska) – Crews are conducting strategic burning operations again today near the edge of the Parks Hwy and near the Nenana River (MP 275/276); smoke and flame may be visible. Please drive slowly through this area and DO NOT PARK CARS on the side of the Hwy to observe these operations. This creates a safety hazard for both firefighters and the public.

Weather: Another RED FLAG WARNING is in effect in the fire area today for the possibility of thunderstorms (40% chance) and lightning. There is a 35% chance of wetting rain. Similar to yesterday, smoke should remain over the fire area into the day. While this can calm fire behavior, it is still very dry and the potential for active fire remains. Winds today should be from the west-southwest at 6-10 mph with gusts to 15 mph and could be erratic. The coming week brings more moisture with scattered and numerous showers and thunderstorms as well as chances for wetting rain but also for additional lightning strikes.

Fire Activity: Smoke lingered over the area for most of the day yesterday. This moderated fire behavior, and firefighters had a successful and productive day on the Clear Fire. “A lot of good work was done today, and we anticipate a lot of good work tomorrow,” said Incident Commander Al Lawson in yesterday’s brief to incident management team members. There are some new resources at the Clear Fire today. An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is being used to locate heat and undetected spots, and another large helicopter called a CH-47 Chinook will arrive today. This aircraft carries a 3000-gallon bucket for water drops.

Yesterday afternoon in Div K, firefighters in Kobe Ag successfully conducted strategic burning operations from Rochester Rd out to the edge of the Parks Hwy. These actions removed fuel and helped protect the powerlines running from the road into the Kobe Ag area. Passersby may have witnessed smoke and flame during this operation. Today, firefighters will continue this operation, bringing fire down toward the Nenana River and the Parks Hwy, then establishing this protection line north back into Div G. Passersby are reminded to not park cars along the highway to observe. In other areas of Div K, firefighters constructed fire line from the Kobe Rd wrapping southwest around the edge of the fire to help prevent fire movement to the southeast. Most of this area is boggy and not fit for dozer work, so firefighters are building much of the line by hand. This work continues today. The Structure Group is also in Div K. They are working from the north to the south along the east side of the Parks Hwy, securing structures and setting up tanks to supply more water for structure protection if needed. When they are finished with this work, they will begin assessing structures on the east side of the Nenana River. Aircraft will work over the fire again today if conditions allow. Yesterday, smoke severely limited visibility, and air resources were unable to fly until late afternoon. Firefighters on the night operational period remain in the Kobe Ag area protecting structures overnight.

In the north side of the Kobe Ag in Div G, there was moderate fire behavior yesterday. Firefighters are working to cap off the top corner of the fire in Div G by building line from Willow St to Rochester Way and then out toward the river. They are also building line that parallels Lightning Ave eastward along the top edge of the fire. Crews in Div G are holding and patrolling the northern edge of this division where fire line is holding well.

In Div B on the northeast side of the fire, crews are mostly in the mop-up stage throughout the division and will continue this work until Div B is moved to patrol-only status. Some more black line (representing containment) will appear on the map in Div B soon.

In Div A/O, there is minimal fire activity on the north perimeter and crews are primarily patrolling the area. Further south on the northwest perimeter, fire continues to slowly creep toward the Teklanika River in multiple locations, and there is some isolated torching of individual trees. The River Group is working in this area to prepare and protect the structures near the previously located spot fire. There was another spot discovered yesterday on the west side of the river near the Div O/K break. Today, fire managers will assess this spot and make plans for the most appropriate actions.

Firefighters in Div F have hoses and pumps set throughout the city of Anderson, and structure preparation is complete. Most resources from Div F are assisting in Div K.

Sheltering or evacuation-related information: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330, see the Borough’s Facebook page or visit denaliborough.org   All other fire information: Clear Fire Information, (907) 290-2921; Alaska Fire Information, (907) 356-5511; akfireinfo.com, inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8178, and on the Alaska Division of Forestry and BLM Alaska Fire Service Facebook pages.