ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
 Division of Air Quality
 
 AIR QUALITY ADVISORY Southwest and Aleutians Alaska #2022-F15
 
Thursday, June 23, 2022LOCATION(S) IMPACTED: Southwest and northern Aleutians Alaska will be impacted by wildfire smoke the Lime Complex fires located in the southwest region.

TIME/DATE OF UPDATE: Thursday June 22, 2022 10:00 AM.VALID TIME: Thursday June 22, 2022 10:00 AM to Monday June 27, 2022 2:00 PM, advisory will be issued until end of the event.

TIME/DATE OF THE NEXT REPORT: Monday June 27, 2022 2:00 PM, if needed.

ADVISORY: The Lime Complex in Southwest Alaska continues to burn and produce smoke. The high pressure’s hot/dry conditions will allow for drying of the fuels and increased fire activity through the weekend. Winds through Friday will transport the smoke from the Lime Complex to the southeast, as winds shift during the weekend except more of central southwest to be impacted by smoke. The Apoon Pass and East Fork fires remain under low clouds, activity is at a minimum. When the clouds dissipate and clear skies make way for hot/dry conditions, those fires could see some growth. The Air Quality will vary between GOOD and UNHEALTHY depending on wind flow and proximity to the fires. In the image below, highlighted yellow area, is the forecasted impacted area associated with this advisory. See the table below for more guidance on the Air Quality Categories and Cautionary Statements.
 
Be aware that areas immediately downwind of any fire will experience HAZARDOUS levels of smoke. Generally, worse conditions occur overnight and during the early morning hours, as theatmosphere cools and brings smoke to the surface. During the day, surface heating will mix smoke and carry it upwards, temporarily improving air quality.
 
SMOKE AND PUBLIC IMPACT: This is an area forecast, and as such is a general forecast for portions of Southwestern Interior Alaska. Smoke intensity will vary depending on precise location and local wind flow patterns. Smoke concentrations will be such that they could impact public health at times. It is advised that travelers check local weather as smoke conditions may vary considerably from one locality to the next. The most recent weather observations for the surrounding impacted areas may be found on the Federal Aviation Administration Weather Cams homepage at https://weathercams.faa.gov/.
 
In smoke impacted areas, DEC advises people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion.

The following table contains the cautionary statements for the Air Quality for Particle Pollution.

Air Quality Category                  Cautionary Statements
Good                                                  None
Moderate                                            Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups     People with heart or lung disease, the elderly and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Unhealthy                                           People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion
Very Unhealthy                                    People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion
Hazardous                                          Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should remain indoors
 
When air quality data is unavailable, the following Air Quality Smoke Reference Guide may be used to estimate air quality levels and potential health impacts:

Visibility                   Air Quality
10+ miles                 Good
6 - 9 miles                Moderate
3 - 5 miles                Unhealthy for sensitive groups
1.5 - 2.5 miles          Unhealthy
0.9 - 1.4 miles          Very Unhealthy
0.8 miles or less        Hazardous

FOR MORE INFORMATION: For information on this advisory, contact Mark Smith with the Division of Air Quality at 907-269-7676.

 Lime Complex June 24th update: Water dropping aircraft utilized to cool down the fires edge 

June 24, 2022, Daily Update, 9:30 am 

The total complex size is 518,710 acres. There are over 213 total resources assigned to the various fires, including two Type 1 Hotshot crews, one Type 2 Initial Attack Hand crew, four helicopters and various overhead.  

Highlights: Firefighters made progress on the structure protection plans for values at risk in multiple impacted areas. These plans are in place due to the anticipation of increased movement of the fire perimeters. Forecasted wind and warmer weather has the potential to increase fire activity and create visible columns of smoke throughout the day. The smoke may impact some of the surrounding villages. Community members are encouraged to stay away from the fire activity in the area and prepare for potential smoke when the wind shifts.  

Weather:  The warming and drying trend is still on track with Friday expected to be the driest day and Saturday expected to be the warmest. Gusty southeast winds will also push through the Alaska Range for the southwest corner of the complex on Saturday. These conditions are prime for carrying fire across the landscape. Fire Managers are preparing values at risk and communities that could be impacted.  
 

Staffed Fires in the Complex 

North Group consists of the South Lime Lake Fire (#190)/Swift River Fire (#228), Pike Creek (#239)/Koktuli River (#240), Door Mountain Fire (#244), Door Creek Fire (#273) and the Hook Creek Fire (#188) 

There was activity and growth on the fire yesterday and more expected today. A smoke column was visible and pushing smoke in the surrounding areas. The same weather and fire behavior is expected for today. Gannett Glacier Fire crew is continuing the work to prepare it with pumps and hoses to complete it as a contingency for the village. The rest of the supplies should be received in the next couple days to complete the contingency line. As weather increases potential for increased fire activity, the crews are in place and postured to protect the values at risk in and around the village of Lime. 

The Helitack crew and rappelers completed their work from Tundra and Trout Lake to prepare the values at risk, and to prepare cabins and outlying structures for the potential for any threat of fire. The crews are now preparing the area to conduct a planned burn out operation, if the conditions allow, to be able to secure the area with a buffer of purposeful fire line. This burn out is a defensive tactic to remove fuel in between the path of the main fire and the values at risk, to slow down the progress of that main body of the fire.  

Pike Creek (#239)/Koktuli River (#240) ~ 139,025 combined acres, Lighting start; point protection and structure protection are ongoing. The fire remains 36 miles north of Iguigig. 

The fire was producing a visible smoke column and pushing to the areas along the Koktuli and Mulchatna rivers. A fixed wing water dropping aircraft was utilized to cool down the southern edge around the tight zig zag lines in the river, where fire is typically challenging to hold at that natural feature. The fire crews with assistance of aircraft successfully held the fire from crossing the river as of yesterday. The firefighters are present around the area and are continuously patrolling for any spots. With the wind influence, growth to the southern end is to be expected throughout the next week. The crews are also focusing on building contingency lines in the event natural barriers are not enough to keep it contained.  

Both an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) drone module, and helicopter remain assigned to these fires to monitor fire movement, and to act as necessary on identified known sites.   

Aghaluk Mountain (#206) ~117,209 acres, Lightning start, point protection and structure protection are ongoing. The fire remains 51 miles east of Aniak.  

The fire activity has been moderate for the last couple days. Firefighters have successfully held the fire and continue to improve their structure protection measures. Fire managers are tightening up the plan of engagement in the event the fire moves at all. Winema hotshots are finishing up their preparation of the area and will be extracted to be utilized in other areas as needed. 

Upper Talarik (#205) ~2,776 acres, Lighting start, point protection, and structure protection are ongoing. The fire is 16 miles from Iliamna.  

Two days of burning operations were conducted as a defensive measure to protect the area. Water scooping aircraft have been ordered to assist in keeping the active fire edges checked to prevent spread. This fire continues to show active fire movement along the southwest perimeter due to the impacts of weather that have been experienced. The Unaweep Fire Module is still working on this fire and is monitoring the burn operation that they conducted to make sure that their lines will hold successfully.  

Unstaffed Fires 

Dummy Creek Fire (#247)~ 178 acres 

Cabin Creek Fire (#193)~ 74 acres 

Gagaryah River Fire (#197)~ 34,874 acres 

Kiknik Fire (245)~ 45,734 acres 

Maka Creek Fire (#207)~ 1 acre 

Nushagak River Fire (#189)~ 10 acres 

Stony River Fire (#198) ~ 35,995 acres 

Telaquana River Fire (#216) ~7,791 acres, 

Titnuk Creek Fire (#246)~ 53,290 acres,  

Due to the vastness of this area, many of these fires do not have Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) in place. However, a significant number of aircraft including fixed wing aerial observation platforms; general logistics aircraft; helicopters moving personnel; and supplies and dropping water, will be working all throughout southwest Alaska. With the expected increase in fire activity, aircraft presence may also increase. As such, there is potential to have a TFR set up to protect aerial fire operations. 

Lime Complex fires under the Black Team management include #188, 189, 190, 193 197, 198, 205, 206, 207, 216, 228, 239, 240, 244, 245, 246, 247 and 273. As threats increase to values at risk, updates on suppression strategy and tactics will be provided.  

Public Information: Phone number:(907) 290-2699, Email 2022.limecomplex@firenet.gov, Facebook: facebook.com/AK.Forestry/ Website: alaskafireinfo.com, Twitter:@AKforestry 

 Lime Complex June 23rd update: Contingency line completed around Lime village 

June 23, 2022, Daily Update, 9:30 am

Daily Update

The total complex size is 484,720 acres. There are over 229 resources assigned to the various fires, including two Type 1 Hotshot crews, one type 2 Initial Attack Hand crew, four helicopters and various overhead. Structure protection measures continue in and around the identified values at risk in the various fire impacted areas.   

Final Hog Spring Fire Update: June 24, 2022

Media Contacts: SM.FS.ASNF_PAO@usda.gov

Steve Johnson, Public Information Officer 928-245-1585
 

Acres: 461 | Containment: 55% | Total personnel: 26 | Start Date: June 18th, 2022 | Cause: Lightning/Natural | Location: 10 Miles east of Show Low | Fuels: Timber and Short Grass | Resources: 6 engines, 1 dozer, and miscellaneous overhead

Highlights: This will be the final update for the Hog Spring Fire unless conditions worsen. The fire received some precipitation yesterday, dampening any remaining hot spots, and more rain is forecast for today.

Operations: The Hog Spring fire transitioned from a type 4 incident management team to a type 5 fire organization yesterday. Fire crews will continue to mop up and patrol containment lines to mitigate any threats.

Safety: There is no immediate risk to infrastructure or property, and there are no evacuations in place. There are no road closures, however, the public is advised to avoid the 283, 267B and the 9045 roads for firefighter and public safety.

Weather: The forecast is calling for a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, winds up to 15 mph and a high of 79 degrees.

Restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests rescinded all fire restrictions on Friday, June 24th at 6:00 am.

Smoke: An interactive smoke map at fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Phone: 928-245-1585 | Email: SM.FS.ASNF_PAO@usda.gov

Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8171/  

https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs  

Twitter @A_SNFs   

Media Contacts: SM.FS.ASNF_PAO@usda.gov
Steve Johnson, Public Information Officer 928-245-1585

Acres: 461 | Containment: 35% | Total personnel: 26 | Start Date: June 18th, 2022 | Cause: Lightning/Natural | Location: 10 Miles east of Show Low | Fuels: Timber and Short Grass | Resources: 6 engines, 1 dozer, and miscellaneous overhead

Highlights: Monsoonal activity has provided relief and moderated the fires activity. Most of the areas where heavy fuels were burning have subsided in recent days, and smoke impacts to nearby communities should be minimal.

Operations: Fire crews will continue to mop up and extinguish any remaining hot spots and will patrol containment lines to mitigate any threats. The Hog Spring fire transitioned from a type 4 incident management team to a type 5 fire organization today, with Incident Commander Jakob Gormally.

Safety: There is no immediate risk to infrastructure or property, and there are no evacuations in place. There are no road closures, however, the public is advised to avoid the 283, 267B and the 9045 roads for firefighter and public safety.

Weather: The forecast is calling for a 40% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, winds up to 15 mph and a high of 83 degrees.

Restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is in Stage II Fire and Smoking Restrictions, learn more at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices/.... The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will rescind all fire restrictions on Friday, June 24th at 6:00am.

Smoke: An interactive smoke map at fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions. Smoke may be visible from highway 60, especially at night.

Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Phone: 928-245-1585 | Email: SM.FS.ASNF_PAO@usda.gov

Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8171/
https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs
Twitter @A_SNFs

Media Contacts: SM.FS.ASNF_PAO@usda.gov

Steve Johnson, Public Information Officer 928-245-1585

Acres: 461 | Containment: 35% | Total personnel: 48 | Start Date: June 18th, 2022 | Cause: Lightning/Natural | Location: 10 Miles east of Show Low | Fuels: Timber and Short Grass | Resources: 4 engines, 2 hand crews, 2 dozers

Highlights: Recent rains and elevated relative humidities have greatly diminished fire behavior activity. Additional precipitation is forecast for the fire area today and will aide in the firefighting efforts. Smoke will continue to be visible throughout the day and may impact nearby communities as well as state highway 60 near Vernon.

Operations: Fire managers are utilizing contain and confine strategies, and firefighters may conduct management ignitions to bring the fire to containment lines if weather conditions allow.

Safety: There is no immediate risk to infrastructure or property, and there are no evacuations in place. There are no road closures, however, the public is advised to avoid the 283, 267B and the 9045 roads for firefighter and public safety.

Weather: Monsoonal activity is forecast with a 50% chance of rain, winds up to 20 mph and a high of 77 degrees.

Restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is in Stage II Fire and Smoking Restrictions, learn more at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices/?aid=73318
Information related to fire restrictions across public and private land can be found at: https://ein.az.gov

Smoke: An interactive smoke map at fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions. Smoke may be visible from highway 60, especially at night.

Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Phone: 928-245-1585 | Email: SM.FS.ASNF_PAO@usda.gov

Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8171/
https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs
Twitter @A_SNFs