The fuel and wind driven Clear Fire continues to push south, with firefighters’ primary focus on protecting homes at risk. An overnight infrared flight provided fire personnel with an accurate picture of the fire's heat and perimeter, resulting in a significant increase of acreage reported today. Later today, two Type 1 “hotshot” crews will be working in the Kobe Ag area, constructing line and protecting structures. The constructed line may later be used for strategic burn out operations, preventing the forward progression of the fire into the Kobe Ag and other neighboring subdivisions. 

Firefighters are working to protect structures in the surrounding areas, such as the City of Anderson proper far east of the fire. The northern edge of the fire is still at least a quarter mile from any structures, with minimal fire movement in that direction. Crews have completed preparing all structures in that area, in the event fire activity does increase to the north. The eastern flank of the fire is starting to burn out along the marshy lands. Much of this area could potentially be placed into “patrol status”, where firefighters patrol the area to monitor for any increases in fire activity over the coming days.

Today, temperatures will begin to climb into the 80s, with relative humidity in the low 30s, and no sign of precipitation in the near future. Light northwesterly winds, up to 5mph, are expected over the next few days. On Friday, the wind is expected to switch directions, with southern winds off the Alaska range.

As a reminder, the Denali Borough and the City of Anderson are using the “Ready, Set, GO” format for any notifications or evacuations during fire operations. “Ready” means you should work to prepare your property by creating a defensible space. “Set” means you should prepare a “go kit” and include items such as prescription medications, emergency supplies, and important documents. Residents should have an action plan, and make sure you are familiar with your local emergency notification system. “GO” means you should grab your “go kit” and leave immediately. 

The following is the status of evacuations for the areas listed below: 

Ready: All areas including the City of Anderson, Clear, and Clear Space Force Station. 
Set: All cabins along the Teklanika River located between two and five miles of the current fire perimeter. 
GO: 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 off the Kobe Ag 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, and on the Alaska Division of Forestry and BLM Alaska Fire Service Facebook pages.  

Monday’s shifting winds nudged the fire to the south and east toward the Kobe Ag, Anderson (not city) and Quote Subdivisions. Crews continue to make progress despite access and logistical challenges in many areas of the fire. All evacuation notices remain in effect. 

A community meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 28 at 7 p.m. in the Anderson Fire Hall and on Facebook Live. Fire managers will provide information on the current situation for the Clear Fire. 

Yesterday, hand crews held and improved containment lines along the Teklanika River at the fire’s northern edge. To the northeast, the fire continued to smolder while crews scouted for opportunities to build fireline. In and around the City of Anderson, fuels reduction and assessment of structures were conducted. Firefighters also reinforced containment lines west of the city. Fire activity increased in the southeast portion of the fire, sending up a smoke column visible to the public. Crews working in this area have nearly completed improvements to the dozer lines near the Kobe Ag, Anderson and Quota Subdivisions. Along the western perimeter, firefighters scouted for opportunities to build containment line. 

Cooler conditions are expected with the arrival of a low pressure system. Fire managers plan to resume air operations with a helicopter delivering vital supplies and equipment to firefighters in otherwise-inaccessible areas of the fire. 

Ready: All areas including the City of Anderson, Clear, and Clear Space Force Station 
Set: All cabins along the Teklanika River that are between two and five miles of the current fire perimeter 
GO: All structures southwest of the Kobe Ag area accessed by the “Winter Trail:” Sections 21, 22 and 28, approximately 7 miles west of the Nenana River. Anderson Subdivision, Kobe Ag. Subdivision, Quota Subdivision, all cabins along the Teklanika River that are within two miles of the current fire perimeter. 

“Ready” means you should work to prepare your property by creating defensible space. “Set” means you should prepare a “go kit” and include items such as prescription medications, emergency supplies, and important documents. Residents should have an action plan, and make sure you are familiar with your local emergency notification system. “GO” means you should grab your “go kit” and leave immediately.  

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, and on the Alaska Division of Forestry and BLM Alaska Fire Service Facebook pages. 

From Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Fire Protection: “It is with sad and heavy hearts that we share the news a pilot supporting the Clear Fire outside Anderson, AK, died in a helicopter crash. The pilot and sole occupant was Douglas Ritchie, 56, of Wasilla, AK. Wildland firefighters and aviators are a close community and are in support of the family, friends, and co-workers during this tragic time.”  

“The crash occurred Sunday evening, June 26, 2022, while landing at the Anderson Airport’s helipad near milepost 280 of the Parks Highway. The Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) had contracted the 1960 Bell 204B ‘Huey’ helicopter operated by Northern Pioneer Helicopters. The division is assisting the Alaska State Troopers and National Transportation Safety Board who are conducting an investigation. For additional information contact Sam Harrel at (907) 356-5512.” 

 After receiving news of the accident, crews on the Clear Fire incident stood down for the rest of the evening. Incident Commander Alan Lawson said, “We’re heartbroken by the loss of one of our wildland brothers, and send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”  

 Fire Situation: Earlier on Sunday, crews made progress as smoke in the area blocked some of the sun’s heat, moderating fire behavior. The fire’s reported acreage increased from an estimated 5,500 to 9,552 due largely to receipt of more accurate data.  

 Today, boats are shuttling personnel and equipment to the fire’s north side along the Teklanika River where they are connecting containment lines and preparing structures in the event fire activity increases in that area. Other crews are working to reinforce fire breaks north of the Kobe Ag, Anderson (not city) and Quota subdivisions. Between the fire’s eastern edge and the City of Anderson, firefighters are improving existing fire breaks as a precaution. Additional resources are arriving, and fire managers expect to continue gaining ground on the incident as long as weather conditions remain stable. However, most fuels in the area are extremely dry, leading to a situation that is dynamic and challenging. 

 Evacuation Information: Evacuation notices remain in effect. Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330, see the borough’s Facebook page or visit denaliborough.org. Shelters are in place at 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.  

 Fire Information: Clear Fire Information Line, (907) 290-2921; Alaska Fire Information, (907) 356-5511; akfireinfo.com, and on the Alaska Division of Forestry and BLM Alaska Fire Service Facebook pages.  

Fire Activity:
 
The fire’s most active edge is now 3 miles north of the Kobe Ag, Quota, and Anderson Subdivisions (not city of Anderson) and following another day of fire spread to the south, the evacuation levels for these areas increased to “GO” on Saturday afternoon. Northwest Type 2 Incident Management Team 10, under Incident Commander Alan Lawson, takes over operational management of the fire today. The team spent yesterday shadowing the Alaska Type 3 Team that has managed the incident very well despite challenging conditions.

Also on Saturday, dozers and hand crews were working to connect existing fire breaks north and west of the Kobe Ag, Quota and Anderson Subdivisions. Crews continued structure and Native allotment protection along the Teklanika River corridor as well as in the Kobe Ag subdivision. Helicopters shuttled equipment and supplies to the areas of the fire inaccessible by road.
 
Weather:  

Today’s weather is forecast to be warm with low humidity, and active fire behavior is likely again. Work will continue on the fire break north of the subdivisions and on structure/sensitive areas protection. Although the fire is still 6 miles northwest of the city of Anderson, firefighters will also be working to prepare that area as a precaution. Monitor the Denali Burough website and Facebook page where updates will be posted when conditions change.

Ready: All areas including the City of Anderson, Clear, and Clear Space Force Station

Set: All cabins along the Teklanika River that are between two and five miles of the current fire perimeter

GO: Anderson Subdivision, Kobe Ag Subdivision, Quota Subdivision, all cabins along the Teklanika River that are within two miles of the current fire perimeter

As a reminder, the Denali Borough and the city of Anderson are using the “Ready, Set, GO” format for any notices or evacuations during fire operations. “Ready” means you should work to prepare your property by creating defensible space. “Set” means you should prepare a “go kit” and include items such as prescription medications, emergency supplies, and important documents. Residents should have an action plan, and make sure you are familiar with your local emergency notification system. “GO” means you should grab your “go kit” and leave immediately.

Sheltering or evacuation-related information: The Tri-Valley School in Healy, about 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, and on the Alaska Division of Forestry and BLM Alaska Fire Service Facebook pages.

Pineland Drive Fire Update- Final

Minimal fire activity occurred on the Archer Fire on Sunday. The fire was mapped with GPS, and acreage was found to be 462.8. Crews have made good progress constructing containment lines and mopping up hotspots to ensure lines hold. The fire is currently staffed by the Tusher Mountain Fire Module, TAMFS Gonzales Task Force, and TAMFS Marble Falls Initial Attack Group, as well as local resources.  
No structures are currently threatened and no evacuations are in place. 

The Archer Fire remains estimated at 450 acres until better mapping can be completed. Forward progress has been stopped. There are currently no evacuations in place, and no structures are currently threatened. Percent containment is now up to 60%. Fire activity has been minimal on Saturday, with most smoke interior. An air attack plane flew the fire in the afternoon and observed minimal activity. Crews continue constructing containment lines in rough and rocky terrain. Engine crews are engaged in heavy mop-up operations. 

Size: 383 acres
Containment: 100%
Date Started: June 23, 2022
Cause: Unknown, human caused

State resources from Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) and local resources completed mop-up and secured control lines.  TAMFS dozers were able to stablish control lines. Midsize fire engines (Type-6) and large fire engines (Type-3) encountered access issues due to sandy terrain, unified command changed tactics to using fire UTVs and personnel to mop-up, and patrol those hard access areas.  Perimeter was secured and fire was turned over to locals, all TAMFS resources cleared the scene. 

This site will no longer be updated.  Please contact local officials for any information needs.

Dempsey Fire Final Update
July 4, 2022 2:30 pm

Size: 11,598 acres
Containment: 100%
Cause: Undetermined

Crews completed some final checks today on several hot spots identified previously and ensured that all areas were cool and contained. Hoses and fire equipment were collected from around the fire and are being  prepared for the next fire that may need them. This fire has been handed back over to the local fire department and all state resources have been released from this fire. This will be the final update for this fire.

We would like to thank everyone who donated to the local volunteer fire departments during the fire and the recovery process. Those donations have been very appreciated. For more information on each department please check their social media pages.

Happy Independence Day!

Dempsey Fire Update
July 3, 2022 10:00 am

Size: 11,597 acres
Containment: 96%
Cause: Undetermined

Yesterday, crews identified a spot fire that had crossed the lines and quickly constructed line around it. The spot fire is included in the current acreage and will be monitored today. Additionally local fire departments responded to several new fires due to lightning strikes in the area around the incident. Resources from the Dempsey fire were no needed to contain those new starts. The storm that caused those fires did provide some beneficial moisture over the fire.

Today firefighters will be working to patrol existing lines for any hot spots or spot fires. Along the Brazos River crews will be gridding the green, a process where personnel walk in a straight line through the unburned area adjacent to the line to search for spot fires and embers, to search for any additional spot fires. Ensuring there are no spot fires in the thick fuels around the perimeter helps ensure that the fire is well and truly within the constructed lines and there will be no additional growth. Resources also continue to stand-by to respond to new starts as requested by local fire departments.