Red Flag Warning Issued for Clear Fire Area; Conditions Prime for Extreme Fire Activity

– July 9, 2022 * 9:00 a.m.

(Clear, Alaska) – A RED FLAG WARNING has been issued for the fire area today. Conditions have set the stage for a critical fire weather environment, and residents who have chosen to stay in areas defined as “Go” are again ENCOURAGED TO EVACUATE. The area is unsafe and rescue attempts may place firefighters’ and citizens’ lives in danger.

Please slow down and remain alert while driving on the Parks Hwy and any other roads in the fire area. Conditions may be dusty and smoky with low visibility, and there are numerous fire apparatus and firefighters operating on these roads at all hours. Help us keep our firefighters and the public safe.

Weather: RED FLAG WARNING. Today should be partly cloudy in the morning with showers and thunderstorms developing by the afternoon, with the potential to become more profuse in the evening. Winds should be light in the morning, increasing in the afternoon to 6-10 mph from the west on the north end of the fire, gusts to 15 mph. On the south end of the fire, winds should be 6-10 mph from the south, gusts to 17 mph. Sunday could be another challenging weather day, with Red Flag conditions persisting and with possibilities for lightning. Moisture flowing into the region will improve chances of wetting rainfall for Sunday and possibly Monday.

Fire Activity: Dry conditions, clear skies, and variable and erratic winds contributed to unstable conditions and led to another day of very active fire in the Kobe Ag Subdivision yesterday. Fire activity increased early in the day. Large smoke columns were visible over the fire as firefighters worked to protect the area by building fire line and performing burn out operations to remove fuels in the path of the fire. Dozers and firefighters constructed north-south fire line just south of the Kobe Rd, east-west line along the Kobe Rd, and from Rochester Rd north, paralleling the river. Crews will continue work on these lines today. Numerous planes and helicopters could be seen over the fire yesterday dropping water to help cool the fire’s edge and assist firefighters in their work, and they will do so again today. Firefighters will continue working around structures, attempting to cool areas of heat and prevent fire spread. Crews working the night operational period are supporting these efforts, and the newly added Structure Group is providing extra help in Divs K and G. The southern portion of Div K will continue to be monitored until firefighters are able to gain access to this remote area.

In Div G on the north side of Kobe Ag, fire was less active yesterday. The dozer lines on the west and north edges of Div G are holding. Firefighters in the south of Div G are working to box in the top portion of the fire in Kobe Ag by constructing more east-west dozer line north of the fire perimeter and by building north-south dozer line at the east edge of the fire. They are doing this work with the support of aircraft.

Div B in the northeast exhibited very little fire activity yesterday. Crews here are nearly finished with their mop-up work. The spot from July 6 is mopped up and controlled. Today, firefighters will keep mopping up and will further secure fire line in the south of Div B.

The northern-most part of the fire in Div A is nearing patrol-only status, with minimal fire behavior and little mop-up remaining. Today, Div A will be combined with Div O.

Yesterday in Div O in the northwest, a spot fire was discovered across the Teklanika River near the Divs O/A break. There are a small number of structures near this spot, and fire managers anticipate fire spread toward those structures. Fire managers have dedicated a crew of firefighters to protect these structures. Prep work took place yesterday, and the firefighters will remain in the area for structure defense and will utilize defensive burning operations if called for.

Structure prep is complete in the city of Anderson in Div F, and most resources from Div F are currently 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.

Size: 65,884 acres

Containment: 12%

Start Date: June 21, 2022

Fuels: A mix of tundra, brush, hardwood and black spruce

Location:Location: 6 miles west of Anderson, Alaska

Personnel: 491

Cause: Natural, Lightning

 Fire Evacuations Expanded; Firefighters, Dozers, and Air Resources Continue Fight to Protect Kobe Ag, Anderson, and Clear Communities – July 8, 2022 * 9:00 a.m.

(Clear, Alaska) – “Go” evacuations were expanded on 7/7/22 for all properties accessed by roads, trails, and driveways off either side of the Parks Hwy between MP 273 and 280. “Go” notices remain in effect for all areas accessed by Kobe Rd as well as for all cabins along the Teklanika River that are within two miles of the current fire perimeter. For more information, reference the evacuation map at denaliborough.org

Weather: Today is forecast to be partly cloudy and warm with a high of 84F. A shower or thunderstorm is possible, but it will remain dry with little chance of wetting rain. Humidity may be as low as the upper 20s. Winds on the north side of the fire should be light and northeasterly early in the day and then increase with gusts to 15 mph. Winds in the south are forecast out of the south-southeast at 6 to 7 mph with gusts up to 20 mph, although they could shift to southwesterly and may be variable and erratic at times. Conditions may produce active fire behavior again today.

Fire Activity: Fire was active yesterday and overnight near the Kobe Ag Subdivision. In Div K on the south edge of Kobe Ag, firefighters and aircraft worked aggressively to slow fire spread and construct fire line. Twelve different fixed-wing aircraft as well as helicopters worked over the fire yesterday. Aircraft dropped twelve loads of retardant running both north-south and east-west in an effort to box-in this area and reduce fire movement toward the Nenana River and Parks Hwy. (As of last report, the fire had not crossed the river or highway. The highway remains OPEN.) Meanwhile, firefighters on the ground worked to secure and protect structures and build direct line where possible with both dozers and hand crews. Crews in Div G traveled south to assist Div K in securing the edge of the fire just south of Lightning Rd, and they encountered heavy winds and low visibility. Firefighters are looking for opportunities to create protection lines in this area to prevent fire from pushing farther north into Kobe Ag or east toward Clear. Crews will continue this work today and will take actions to protect structures where they can safely do so. Overall impact to structures remains unknown. Assessments will be conducted as safety permits, and notifications will come from Denali Borough.

At the southern tip of the fire (also Div K), firefighters remain challenged in their efforts to safely access the structures in this remote area. Attempts will continue and aircraft will fly reconnaissance when possible to assess the condition of this area. In the far west side of Div K, fire remains curbed by natural barriers.

On the north side of Kobe Ag in Div G, crews have successfully secured line into the marshy area at the north edge of the finger near the Div G/B break. There was minimal fire activity yesterday on the western dozer line in this area (northwest end of Kobe Ag). Crews in Div G will secure and improve the line into the marsh today and will assist crews in Div K.

In the northeast in Div B, there is a new spot fire (approximately 10 acres) near the Div B/G break. Crews will work to control this today. Yesterday, there was also a one-acre spot at the Div B/A break, but this was controlled by firefighters and water drops. It is in mop-up status today.

Crews in Div A to the north are deepening the fire line and extending that depth toward Div B. There is a spot fire near the Div A/O break that firefighters will work today. Otherwise, fire activity is minimal in this area. Firefighters will install pumps and sprinklers near structures along the river. In the northwest in Div O, fire activity is minimal except on the division’s south end where the River Group monitored an area of increased activity. This fire created no threat to structures. The river is still serving as an effective natural barrier, and crews will monitor by air and boat for any changes. Divs A and O will soon be combined into one division.

The city of Anderson (Div F) remains prepped in the event of any fire progression. Crews and engines are patrolling overnight. A new group will be added on Saturday called the “Structure Group.” This will bolster structure protection resources, and this group will operate in Divs K and G (Kobe Ag) as well as in the city of Anderson.

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.

Wind Prompts Extreme Fire Behavior at Clear Fire, Pushing Fire into Kobe Ag Subdivision – July 7, 2022 * 9:00 a.m. 

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

If you are evacuated and in need of shelter: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330. 
 

Weather: Yesterday’s conditions were hot, dry, and windy; today is predicted to be the same. There are isolated showers and thunderstorms in the forecast. Relative humidity may be as low as 26% on the south side of the fire. Winds are forecasted from the northeast at the north end of the fire. Winds on the south end of the fire will be from the south-southeast early in the day and then shifting to the come from the southwest by the afternoon at 6-10mph with gusts to 18.  
 

Fire Activity: There was extensive fire in the south side of Kobe Ag in Div K yesterday afternoon and into the evening. Winds came in from the southwest, prompting a severe increase in fire activity on the southeastern-most finger. The fire pushed about three miles north from the finger, breeching the east-west dozer line at the end of Diane Ave. as well as the north-south dozer line on the west side of Kobe Ag. Firefighters working to protect structures on the west side of Kobe Ag had to evacuate due to extreme fire behavior and life-threatening conditions. They remained near Rochester Way, working to protect structures where possible. Several aircraft were ordered, and they staged an aggressive water and retardant attack from the air. Firefighters worked overnight to attack spot fires and to keep the fire west of the Nenana River. The fire has not reached the river as of last report. Fire was active within the lower half of the subdivision reaching east to Rochester Way and north toward Bush Rd. The exact extent of fire reach and damage is being assessed by fire managers today. More resources will be moved into Div K today to continue fighting the fire and assessing the status of structures. Elsewhere in Div K, firefighters are still working to access structures on the southern-most edge, and the southwest edge remains checked by natural barriers. 
 

North of Div K in Div G, there was minimal fire activity yesterday on the western-most dozer line. The east-west dozer line on the north side of Kobe Ag had some active fire that threw some spots, but firefighters were able to corral them. Today, crews will continue working directly at the edge of the fire to complete the dozer line that is wrapping north and west around the finger of fire in Div G, with a plan to connect this line into the marshy area near the Div G and Div B break.  
 

In Div B on the northeast, crews constructed saw line yesterday and will work today to tie this into the marshy area at the Div B and Div G break. They will continue laying hose for mop-up or suppression needs. In Div A in the north, fire behavior is mainly creeping and smoldering. Firefighters will mop-up, protect structures, and improve fire line along the edge of Div A today. Fire behavior in Div O on the northwest side is mainly smoldering with limited activity. Firefighters are allowing the river to work as a natural barrier and will keep monitoring some hot spots today. There is no immediate threat to structures in Div O. The River Group, also in the northwest, helped to transport crews yesterday morning and then assisted crews in Div A. Today, they will be assessing structures on the northern portion of the fire and making plans for any fuel reduction needs around the structures. 

Div F firefighters worked on community protection lines around Anderson yesterday morning. The area is well prepared in the case of any fire movement toward the city. Later in the day, most crews were relocated to Div K to assist with efforts there. Several Div F resources will keep assisting in Div K today.  
 

Ready (Prepare your property):  All areas WEST of the Nenana River between Parks Highway MP 264 – 269, including Bear Creek and June Creek areas.  Set (Prepare your “go bag”):  All areas WEST of the Nenana River between Parks Highway MP 269 – 274. The city of Anderson, Clear and Clear Space Force Station. All areas EAST of the Nenana River between Parks Highway MP 275 – 302. All cabins along the Teklanika River between two and five miles of the current fire perimeter.   GO (Evacuate now) :  All areas accessed by Kobe Road. All cabins along the Teklanika River within two miles of the current fire perimeter.  
 

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. 

Firefighters and Aircraft Continue Coordinated Protection Efforts for Communities in the Clear Fire Area
July 6, 2022 * 9:00 a.m.

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

Weather: Today should be partly cloudy with a chance of showers and a 25% chance of thunderstorms. Relative humidity should increase slightly, but drier weather is forecasted to return over the weekend. Stronger southeasterly winds (with gusts up to 20 mph) are possible on the east side of the fire today.   

Fire Activity: On the northwest side of the fire in Division (Div) O, fire activity remains minimal with no immediate threat to structures. Yesterday, crews monitored the area and mopped-up to a depth of at least 100 ft. The spot across the Teklanika River is being controlled and monitoring will continue today in Div O. The Clear Fire also has a “River Group” situated on the northwest section. These personnel are assisting with the transportation of crews in and out of the fire area by boat, patrolling the northwest portion of the fire and assisting Divs O and A as needed.

On the north side of the fire in Div A, fire is creeping and smoldering. There is still heat, so yesterday firefighters improved line and created more depth in the fire breaks around the structures in this area. Today, they will keep working these fire breaks along the length of Div A. In the northeast section of the fire in Div B, there is minimal fire activity with light smoldering in some places. Crews here will keep constructing saw line today and performing mop-up operations. They are also plumbing the area (laying in hoses) should water be needed to suppress fire or support mop-up activities.

On the east side of the fire in Div G, fire activity was minimal yesterday along the north-south dozer line on the west side of Kobe Ag. There was some increased fire activity on the north side of the Kobe Ag area, but the east-west dozer line held. Crews built direct line along the eastern edge of the perimeter with the assistance of helicopters that dropped water to cool the area, allowing firefighters to work. Hose lays are also being placed along this line. Today, crews will keep building and securing this fire line in anticipation of possible wind on the eastern side of the fire. Helicopters will support these efforts as conditions allow.

On the south side of Kobe Ag in Div K, the fire had some southeastern movement. Yesterday, crews progressed southeastward along the dozer line, working to connect fire line into the marshy areas south of Kobe Ag and out toward the Parks Hwy. They will continue this work today, with the plan of building fire line right up to the highway. Firefighters in Div K plan to construct direct fire line along the southeastern-most finger of the fire today. Helicopters will assist these efforts as conditions allow. Crews are still working to gain better access to structures on the southern-most tip of the fire. On the southwest edge (also Div K), fire remains checked by natural barriers, and aircraft are monitoring for any changes.

In and around the city of Anderson, crews in Div F have strategically placed several water tanks and have planned out hose lays. These resources will be ready and available if burning/fuel reduction operations or protection measures become necessary. Firefighters have been creating community protection lines around Anderson and assessing structures in the area. They will continue this this work today. Engines will patrol overnight in the city of Anderson and in Kobe Ag (Divs G and K).

Ready (Prepare your property):  All areas WEST of the Nenana River between Parks Highway MP 264 – 269, including Bear Creek and June Creek areas.
Set (Prepare your “go bag”):  All areas WEST of the Nenana River between Parks Highway MP 269 – 274. The city of Anderson, Clear and Clear Space Force Station. All areas EAST of the Nenana River between Parks Highway MP 275 – 302. All cabins along the Teklanika River between two and five miles of the current fire perimeter.
GO (Evacuate now) :  All areas accessed by Kobe Road. All cabins along the Teklanika River within two miles of the current fire perimeter.

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.   

Note that on July 3, there was a change to wildland fire evacuation risk levels. The communities of Anderson and Clear have changed to SET status. (See more detail at bottom of report.)

Weather: The RED FLAG WARNING has been extended through today due to predictions of thunderstorms that could produce lightning and instability in the atmosphere. There is a chance for isolated showers in this morning. As the week continues and temperatures trend slightly downward, there is more chance for wetting rain over the fire area.

Fire Activity: Yesterday, fire managers divided the Clear Fire area into two branches: Branch I in the north, and Branch II in the south. Within each branch, there are multiple divisions. Both branches and divisions are a way of dividing the fire into geographic areas. This serves to maintain appropriate span of control and helps with the distribution of resources throughout the fire area.

On the west side of the fire, firefighters are allowing the natural barrier of the Teklanika River to limit the fire’s advance. This area is being patrolled by aircraft and boats, and crews are on the lookout for any changes. On the northwest corner, fire behavior is minimal. Firefighters will continue securing the heel of the fire and lay hose into this area to assist with mop up activities. On the northern-most perimeter, fire behavior is limited to smoldering and creeping but heat remains in the area. Yesterday, firefighters removed dead vegetation from around structures to help eliminate fuels, and they will do so again today.

There was active fire on the east side yesterday, particularly around the east-to-west dozer line on the north side of Kobe Ag subdivision. Here, firefighters worked aggressively to check the fire’s spread. They collaborated with aircraft and dozers to create direct (against the fire’s edge) fire line. Helicopters first dropped water to cool the area and create a tenable working environment. Dozers proceeded next to remove layers of soil, followed by crews on foot who continued improving the line. Today, these activities will continue. On the south side of the Kobe Ag subdivision, crews also encountered extremely challenging conditions yesterday. Fire was active, the area was dense with smoke, and the variable winds created dust devils. These conditions hampered attempts to construct direct fire line. Firefighters were still able to perform some strategic burn-out operations to help impede fire spread, and firefighters successfully controlled multiple spot fires in this area. Crews will attempt to create direct fire line when conditions allow, including when smoke has dissipated enough for helicopters to fly and assist operations. There was approximately 0.1" of rain in this area last night, and crews are optimistic this will offer a window for work today. A dozer and masticator are also operating on the south end of the subdivision just east of the fire to create more fuel breaks between the fire and structures.

On the southeast section of the fire, firefighters are working to access and protect structures. However, intense smoke and unsafe conditions hindered yesterday’s attempts. Fire behavior has been primarily fuel driven in this area, with the black spruce torching and throwing spot fires. Access to this area has been a challenge but crews will continue their attempts when conditions allow, and when it is safe to do so.

The fire remains about six miles from the city of Anderson. Here, firefighters are improving fuel breaks and are prepared to conduct initial attack on any new fire starts in the area should the need arise.

Ready (Prepare your property):  All areas WEST of the Nenana River between Parks Highway MP 264 – 269, including Bear Creek and June Creek areas.
Set (Prepare your “go bag”):  All areas WEST of the Nenana River between Parks Highway MP 269 – 274. The city of Anderson, Clear and Clear Space Force Station. All areas EAST of the Nenana River between Parks Highway MP 275 – 302. All cabins along the Teklanika River between two and five miles of the current fire perimeter.
GO (Evacuate now) :  All areas accessed by Kobe Road. All cabins along the Teklanika River within two miles of the current fire perimeter.

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.   

There has been a change to wildland fire evacuation risk levels. The communities of Anderson and Clear have changed to SET status. See the latest evacuation map. Further information on wildfire evacuation levels can be found on the Denali Borough website: www.denaliborough.org.

There is a RED FLAG WARNING today. Lightning is likely and thunderstorms could produce erratic winds. If the smoke over the fire area clears, there is potential for volatile fire behavior. As the week progresses, there is more chance for wetting rain in the area.

Fire was active overnight on the east side of the fire. Storm cells over the fire contributed to spotting south of the dozer line on the north side of the Kobe Ag subdivision. Firefighters will work to control these spot fires today. Crews are continuing to construct dozer line and secure existing line near the Kobe Ag Subdivision. Firefighters are also scouting for opportunities to build direct fire line. Direct line is fire line that is built right at the fire’s edge, as opposed to indirect line which is constructed some distance from the fire’s edge. Crews will also conduct strategic burn out operations from the dozer line, as conditions allow, to reduce unburned fuels between the fire line and the fire. Fire managers have taken additional precautions on the east side of the fire by assigning firefighters to a night operational period. These crews will monitor and patrol the east and southeast portions of the fire as well as the town of Anderson.

Yesterday, on the northwestern side, the fire crossed a section of the Teklanika River, creating a spot fire about a quarter-acre in size. Crews are working to contain this spot fire; however, it is not currently endangering any structures.  Other firefighters in the north are mopping up near the fire’s origin. This mop up process includes checking the area for residual heat up to 100 feet interior to the fire’s edge. Structure protection also continues in the north.

Firefighters are engaging in structure protection measures with at-risk properties to the south of the fire when and where it is safe to do so. However, firefighter and public safety is our top priority. Firefighters are not always able to find a safe route to structures in remote areas or in areas with active fire behavior.

It is advisable for those in the “Set” and “Ready” areas (those not already evacuated) to create a defensible space around their residences. Creating a buffer between a structure on your property and the grass, trees or shrubs that surround the property can help slow or stop the spread of fire and assist firefighters in protecting your property. 

Ready (Prepare your property):  All areas WEST of the Nenana River between Parks Highway MP 264 – 269, including Bear Creek and June Creek areas.
Set (Prepare your “go bag”):  All areas WEST of the Nenana River between Parks Highway MP 269 – 274. The City of Anderson, Clear and Clear Space Force Station. All areas EAST of the Nenana River between Parks Highway MP 275 – 302. All cabins along the Teklanika River between two and five miles of the current fire perimeter.
GO (Evacuate now) :  All areas accessed by Kobe Road. All cabins along the Teklanika River within two miles of the current fire perimeter.

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. 

Happy 4th of July! A reminder that the Alaska State Fire Marshal's Office has suspended use of fireworks across much of Alaska. For more information, visit: dps.alaska.gov. Additionally, Alaska’s Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) issued an Emergency Burn Closure Order as of July 1. This order restricts all burning at the state and local level that requires a burn permit. For more information go to: akfireinfo.com.  

Smoky conditions helped to dampen fire activity yesterday and will likely moderate fire conditions again today. The Red Flag Warning is still in effect over the northern portion of the fire area due to the possibility of dry thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected in the low 80s with relative humidity increasing into the 30s. Erratic winds could come with a dry thunderstorm, otherwise winds will remain light and variable out of the west to southwest.

To the north, crews successfully contained fire that crossed the established line and Teklanika River. Firefighters will now “mop up” the area. This involves extinguishing hot spots and residual heat to prevent further fire spread beyond established containment lines. Crews are placing hose lays around this area and nearby structures, as well.  On the southeast side of the fire, crews are conducting strategic burn out operations, as weather conditions permit.  Further south, firefighters are preparing other sections of line for additional strategic burn out operations. Firefighters continue to work on structure protection and dozer line around the town of Anderson. 

Aircraft are actively supporting suppression efforts on the Clear Fire and are also being utilized to transport personnel and supplies to more remote areas of the fire. Many firefighters and fire line paramedics are spiked in these remote areas. Spiking refers to sleeping in a safe location near the work area rather than returning to base camp at the end of the day. This is often utilized when transport time to and from the work area is extensive. At times, firefighters will spike for 14 to 21 days. Needed food and supplies are delivered by helicopter or boat.

Over 20 people attended the second community meeting at the Anderson Fire Hall in person yesterday with about 100 attendees watching virtually to discuss latest updates to the fire. Further community meetings will be scheduled as the need arises.

Fire danger is extremely high this Fourth of July weekend.   Alaska’s Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) issued an Emergency Burn Closure Order as of July 1. This order restricts all burning at the state and local level that requires a burn permit. For more information go to: akfireinfo.com. In addition, Alaska State Fire Marshal's Office has suspended use of fireworks across much of Alaska. For more information, visit: dps.alaska.gov 

Ready (Prepare your property):  All areas including the City of Anderson, Clear, Clear Space Force Station, Bear Creek and June Creek. 
Set (Prepare your “go bag”):  All cabins along the Teklanika River between two and five miles of the current fire perimeter. 
GO (Evacuate now) :  All areas accessed by Kobe Road. All cabins along the Teklanika River within two miles of the current fire perimeter.

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.  

Fire activity increased along much of the northeast and southwest portions of the Clear Fire yesterday afternoon due to increased winds as well as hot and dry conditions. However, the fire’s visible smoke column was due to unburned islands of natural vegetation and debris burning within the interior.

Isolated group torching and short-range spotting caused the fire to spot across the established line to the northeast and southwest. Crews monitoring the areas are currently working to contain these spot fires and “slop overs.” The fire also spotted across the Teklanika River along the fire’s northwestern flank last night. With the help of aerial resources, this spot fire was successfully contained without any reported damage to structures.

To the south, crews are using a variety of strategies to slow the progress of the fire into areas with structures. This includes air resources dropping retardant and ground crews preparing for strategic burn-out operations along constructed dozer lines. These operations serve to reduce available fuels between the fire and structures. Crews are also “plumbing” structures with hose lays, a method used to provide water around threatened homes and other structures.

Dry thunderstorms did not affect fire operations yesterday but still has the potential to affect operations today. A Red Flag Warning is still in effect through this afternoon due to high temperatures in the 80s and relative humidity in the 20s. Erratic winds are also expected. Temperatures are expected to be cooler next week with an increase in humidity.

A second community meeting is planned for tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Anderson Fire Hall (911 D Street). The meeting will be streamed live on the Alaska Division of Forestry Facebook page.

Fire danger is extremely high as we approach the Fourth of July weekend.   Alaska’s Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) issued an Emergency Burn Closure Order as of July 1. This order restricts all burning at the state and local level that requires a burn permit. For more information go to: akfireinfo.com. In addition, Alaska State Fire Marshal's Office has suspended use of fireworks across much of Alaska. For more information, visit: dps.alaska.gov.  

Ready (Prepare your property):  All areas including the City of Anderson, Clear, Clear Space Force Station, Bear Creek and June Creek. 
Set (Prepare your “go bag”):  All cabins along the Teklanika River between two and five miles of the current fire perimeter. 
GO (Evacuate now) :  All areas accessed by Kobe Road. All cabins along the Teklanika River within two miles of the current fire perimeter. 

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. 

Today is National Wildland Firefighter Day. Thank you to all the wildland firefighters in Alaska and across the nation for your hard work and dedication!   

A Red Flag Warning is in effect over the fire area this afternoon through Saturday afternoon due to the likelihood of dry lightning strikes. These lightning strikes could result in new fire starts in and around the fire area. No precipitation is predicted with the lightning, and temperatures are expected to remain in the low to mid-80s. Relative humidity will be in the mid-20s with south winds gusting up to 10 mph. Firefighting efforts may be hampered by dry lightning. Fire crews will be taken off the line and aircraft will be grounded if there are active strikes in the area.

Crews continue protection efforts for structures located east and southeast of the fire by “plumbing” properties with sprinkler equipment and constructing line in the area. This line of bare, mineral soil, serves as a barrier that is unreceptive to burning as the fire approaches.

To the west, three separate areas of the fire grew together, however, forward progression of the fire in this area is slowed due to the wet fuels in the Teklanika riparian area. Further north, crews are completing chainsaw work, which will create more distance between the fire and unburned fuels in the area. In addition, crews are working to remove logs from the Teklanika River to aid future boat access and further secured the northern edge of the fire.  This will help in preventing the fire’s progression northward. Isolated torching is visible on the northeast portion of the fire.

Another community meeting is planned for Saturday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Anderson Fire Hall (911 D Street) and streaming live on the Alaska Division of Forestry Facebook page.

Fire danger is extremely high as we approach the Fourth of July weekend.   Alaska’s Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) issued an Emergency Burn Closure Order as of midnight on July 1. This order restricts all burning at the state and local level that requires a burn permit. Learn more at akfireinfo.com, and please exercise caution with all ignition sources. 

The following evacuation notices are in effect:
Ready (prepare your property): All areas including the City of Anderson, Clear, and Clear Space Force Station 
Set (ready “go bag”): All cabins along the Teklanika River that are between two and five miles of the current fire perimeter 
GO (grab your “go bag” and evacuate): All areas accessed by Kobe Road. All cabins along the Teklanika River that are within two miles of the current fire perimeter. 
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.  

The majority of the fire’s activity continues to be on the southern flanks, with the fire making short south and south easterly runs. This is mainly due to heavy fuels that are receptive to burning. However, winds have also been aligned to push the fire south. This is expected to change this afternoon, as the winds shift and start coming from the southeast, with gusts up to 15 mph.

Crews are focused on protecting structures south and southeast of the fire. At the fire’s southern tip, aircraft are dropping water and retardant, cooling areas of heat near values at risk and perimeter lines. A “super scooper” (fixed-wing aircraft with water hauling capabilities) will continue to assist crews with water drops, as conditions allow. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are available to assist with reconnaissance in areas otherwise inaccessible. Yesterday, smoky skies and an inversion grounded aircraft for much of the morning and may continue to hamper air operation efforts.

The fire continues to move toward the Teklanika River along the western flank, but appears to be losing momentum as it hits marshy, wet areas. Crews worked diligently to secure fireline to the northwest, protecting home’s north of the fire and will likely begin conducting more structural assessments in the coming days. To the northeast, firefighters made good progress completing over 1,000 feet of line, exposing mineral soil and removing flammable materials, to help prevent forward progression of the fire. Along the eastern flank, fire crews monitored the minimal fire behavior on the fire’s edge.

More dry weather is expected in the coming days across the fire area. Temperatures in the mid-80s with relative humidity in the high 20s are likely. Dry thunderstorms are expected tomorrow with scattered lightning possible on the eastern side of the fire. Isolated strikes are possible on the west end. Dry lightning could cause new fire starts and increase fire activity in the area. Critical weather conditions are expected over the weekend as well, with increasing temperatures and decreasing humidity levels.

Ready (prepare your property): All areas including the City of Anderson, Clear, and Clear Space Force Station
Set (ready “go bag”): All cabins along the Teklanika River that are between two and five miles of the current fire perimeter
GO (grab your “go bag” and evacuate): Anderson Subdivision, Kobe Ag Subdivision, Quota Subdivision, all cabins along the Teklanika River that are within two miles of the current fire perimeter. All areas accessed by Kobe Road.

Sheltering or evacuation-related information: The Tri-Valley School in Healy, approximately 40 miles south of the city of Anderson, and the Nenana School, 25 miles north of the city of Anderson, will serve as evacuation shelters. 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.