Immediate threat to East Fork Fire communities has passed
and evacuation preparedness status is liftedJune 18, 2022, Daily Update, 9:20 AM
East Fork Fire
STATS: 159,043 acresLocation: 3.7 miles northwest of St. Mary’sPersonnel: 243Start Date: May 31, 2022Cause: Natural, LightningFuels: A mix of tundra, brush, and black spruce% Contained: 67%
Apoon Pass Fire
STATS: 69,953 acresLocation: 24 miles north of Mountain Village

ST. MARY’S, Alaska. – Activity on the East Fork and Apoon Pass fires has slowed due to favorable weather conditions and suppression operations. The fire edges closest to communities are contained. The southern edges of the East Fork Fire no longer pose an immediate threat to nearby communities and the “Ready” evacuation status has been lifted. Crew continue to mop up and monitor containment line and assess and prepare allotments and other values north of the fire.
 Operations: Containment has been completed along the southwestern area of the fire. Crews are working the “shoulder” section of the western flank that has seen recent fire activity. The southeastern portion of the fire has been confined by the burnout operations, fire breaks, and natural features. Crews are mopping up on the east flank and using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to detect and extinguish remaining heat. Structures and remote allotments north of the East Fork Fire are being prepped and protected.
 Growth of the Apoon Pass Fire has slowed considerably due to water drops and as it becomes confined by natural features, such as lakes and wetlands. Assessments will be conducted over the next day or two to determine if crews are needed on the ground there. Allotments around the Apoon Pass Fire and along the Yukon to Fish Village are being assessed for protection needs.The strategy for the East Fork Fire is to confine or suppress the southern portion that is outside of the Wilderness, approximately 58% of the fire edge. The northern portion of the fire (about 42%) is burning into the Andreafsky Wilderness and the strategy there is point protection of allotments and cabins, but not to control the spread of the fire. Of the 58% of the boundary that will be contained, 67% has been completed. When the fire boundary is marked as contained, it means we have confidence the fire will not cross that line again.
 Aerial monitoring of both the East Fork and Apoon Pass fires will continue regularly to ensure containment is holding and to identify any allotments, structures, or cultural sites that may be at risk. As a reminder, temporary flight restrictions remain in effect (https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.jsp).
 Evacuations: No evacuation orders are in place. Smoke from the East Fork Fire, Apoon Pass Fire, and fires in southwest Alaska could impact air quality. Keep appraised of fires in the area and air quality at:  https://fire.airnow.gov/
 Weather: Expect isolated thunderstorms and scattered showers as the slow-moving low-pressure system moves through. Cloudy skies will clear as the low pressure moves out on Sunday. Winds this evening will be from the northeast, switching to southwesterly winds on Sunday into next week.
 East Fork Fire Information:
Phone: (907) 290-2852
Email: 2022.eastfork@firenet.govStatewide Fire Blog: akfireinfo.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/BLMAFS
Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8148/ 
 

Containment grows as Bering Sea weather brings scattered showers to the East Fork Fire
June 17, 2022, Daily Update, 10:10 AM

East Fork Fire
STATS: 153,271 acres
Location: 3.7 miles northwest of St. Mary’s
Personnel: 241
Start Date: May 31, 2022
Cause: Natural, Lightning
Fuels: A mix of tundra, brush, and black spruce 

Apoon Pass Fire
STATS: 66,959 acres
Location: 24 miles north of Mountain Village
ST. MARY’S, Alaska. – The East Fork and Apoon fires continue to advance slowly in the northwest, driven by the predominant wind direction. Scattered rain showers provide favorable weather to dampen fire activity and significant stretches of the fire edge have been contained. The team continues to conduct assessments of allotments and other values that could be in the path of the northerly expanding fires. A community meeting will be held today at 4PM at the St. Mary’s Elementary School with the Alaska Incident Management Team providing an update on fire operations and expectations for both fire and smoke behavior over the next week. Operations: The strategy for the East Fork Fire is to confine or suppress approximately 58% of the fire boundary, the southern portion outside of the wilderness boundary. The northern portion of the fire (about 42%) is burning into the Andreafsky Wilderness and the strategy there is point protection of allotments, but not to control spread of the fire. Of the 58% of the boundary that will be contained, 67% has been completed. When the fire boundary is marked as contained, it means we have confidence the fire will not cross that line again. Fire personnel have contained the fire around the southern portion of the East Fork Fire in the area closest to the communities of St. Mary’s, Pitkas Point, Pilot Station, and Mountain Village. Containment line has also been achieved in the area between the Andreafsky River (North Fork) and East Fork and on the northern portion of the fire along the east side of the Andreafsky River. Crews prepped structures at the St. Vladimir’s Youth Camp yesterday. Crews also finished brushing out the line around Pilot Station and completed a burnout operation on the east edge. Today, crews will continue to work the active edges of the fire on the western flank and on the southeastern edge to gain further containment. As the fire moves north into the wilderness, the Team will focus on the protection of allotments along the Andreafsky River north of the East Fork Fire and northwest of the Apoon Pass Fire. Crews are moving upriver from Pilot Station to assess allotments to the east. The Apoon Pass Fire has expanded north as pushed by the prevailing winds over the last few days. Aerial monitoring of both the East Fork and Apoon Pass fires will continue regularly in order to identify any allotments, structures, or cultural sites that may be at risk. As a reminder, temporary flight restrictions remain in effect (https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.jsp). Evacuations: St. Mary’s and Pitkas Point are currently in “Ready” position. Some residents have chosen to shelter temporarily in Bethel with support from the Red Cross and Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. No communities are in “set” or “go” status. Weather: Light northeasterly winds overnight pushed smoke into St. Mary’s, similar to yesterday. A slow-moving low-pressure system is coming in from the Bering Sea and bringing scattered showers from the southeast. There is a chance of scattered thunderstorms today through the evening and lingering into Saturday. Winds will be from the east-northeast on Saturday and shifting from the east on Sunday. East Fork Fire Information:
Phone: (907) 290-2852
Email: 2022.eastfork@firenet.gov Statewide Fire Blog: akfireinfo.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/BLMAFS
Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8148/

Crews make good progress in East Fork fire operations
June 16, 2022, Daily Update, 10:00 AM

 
 East Fork Fire

STATS: 150,651 acres
Location: 3.7 miles northwest of St. Mary’s
Personnel: 255 Start Date: May 31, 2022
Cause: Natural, Lightning Fuels: A mix of tundra, brush, and black spruce

Apoon Pass Fire
STATS: 63,056 acres
Location: 24 miles north of Mountain Village
 
ST. MARY’S, Alaska. – The East Fork Fire-fighting crews have wrapped up a few big projects. The fire is still active, but progression has slowed and the fire is moving away from communities. Operations: Firefighters have secured the buildings and the site around the East Fork Andreafsky River weir. Firefighters have been pulled off the site and plans are underway to resume operation of the weir.Final preparations on the contingency lines protecting St. Mary’s, Pitka’s Point, and Mountain Village are being completed. Aerial ignition with the UAS to secure the southwestern toe of the fire has been successfully completed. Crews have completed construction of two contingency lines around the village of Pilot Station. Yesterday the UAS flew with infrared sensors to identify any hot spots on the southern edge of the fire west of the North Fork of the Andreafsky River. The area is secure, but will continue to be monitored.The fire has advanced along several fronts: the northwestern edge into the wilderness area; in a section along the western flank (outpacing control efforts); and a run in the east through some alder and spruce. Direct attack operations along the western and eastern flanks will continue. Assessments of structures and allotments along the river system also continue today. Aerial monitoring of both the East Fork and Apoon Pass fires will continue regularly in order to identify any allotments, structures, or cultural sites that may be at risk. As a reminder, temporary flight restrictions remain in effect (https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.jsp).
 Evacuations: No evacuation order is in place. Some residents have chosen to shelter temporarily in Bethel with support from the  Red Cross and Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation.Ready: St. Mary’s and Pitkas Point are currently in “Ready” position.Set: No communities at this time.Go: No communities at this time.Weather: Light northeasterly winds overnight pushed smoke into St. Mary’s, but today the winds will switch back from the southeast. Expect similar wind shifts again tonight and tomorrow. A slow-moving low-pressure system is coming in from the Bering Sea over the next couple days. That system could bring isolated showers on Friday night, though a wetting rain is not expected. The system will clear on Saturday and temperatures will warm with drying variable winds.
 East Fork Fire Information:
Phone: (907) 290-2852
Email: 2022.eastfork@firenet.gov Statewide Fire Blog: akfireinfo.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/BLMAFS
inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8148/

 

Crews on the East Fork Fire supported by favorable weather

June 15, 2022, Daily Update, 9:30 AM

 

East Fork Fire
STATS: 141,172 acres
Location: 3.7 miles northwest of St. Mary’s
Personnel: 239
Start Date: May 31, 2022
Cause: Natural, Lightning
Fuels: A mix of tundra, brush, and black spruce

Apoon Pass Fire
STATS: 52,866 acres

Location: 24 miles north of Mountain Village

ST. MARY’S, Alaska. – The East Fork Fire remains active with dry fuels and wind-driven movement to the northeast at its head. The fire is also growing along its flanks as well as at the rear, but more slowly and at lower intensity. Most of the fire progression has shifted to the northeast edges, rather than the south. The shift in wind direction and cooler weather has allowed more fire-fighting activity directly on the fire's edge and favorable conditions to strenthen the fireline.  Operations:  Yesterday, smokejumpers and crews were able to directly work the active edge of the western flank west of the Andreafsky River (North Fork). Firefighters were supported by aerial water drops, but progress in the riparian corridor was slowed by brushy fuels. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) completed the burn out of fuel islands around the southern toe of the fire and that operation created some smoke visible from St. Mary’s. Crews at Pilot Station improved the existing fireline, brushed around cabins, and laid hose to protect them from fire. No structures have been damaged or destroyed. Final preparations on the contingency lines protecting St. Mary’s, Pitka’s Point, and Mountain Village are likely to be completed today. Crews will construct primary containment line around the village of Pilot Station and continue assessments of structures and allotments along the Yukon River east of Mountain Village. Direct attack operations along the western flank will continue. Aerial monitoring of both the East Fork and Apoon Pass fires will continue regularly in order to identify any allotments, structures, or cultural sites that may be at risk. As a reminder, temporary flight restrictions remain in effect (https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.jsp). Evacuations: No mandatory evacuation order is in place. Voluntary relocations are continuing for St. Mary’s, Mountain Village, Pitkas Point, and Pilot Station. Some residents are sheltered temporarily in Bethel with support from the Red Cross and Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. Ready: St. Mary’s and Pitkas Point are currently in “Ready” position. Set: No communities at this time. Go: No communities at this time. Weather: Moderate weather conditions will continue today. Tomorrow a front is moving in with southeast winds, which will continue to reduce the threat of smoke and fire toward St. Mary’s and Pilot Station. The weekend will be the start of a warming trend, but winds will remain from the south. There is even a chance of showers before temperatures start to rise again next week.

East Fork Fire Information
Phone: (907) 290-2852
Email: 2022.eastfork@firenet.gov
Statewide Fire Blog: akfireinfo.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/BLMAFS
Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8148/ 

 

Progress made on East Fork Fire through direct attack

June 14, 2022, Daily Update, 10:30 AM

 

East Fork Fire
STATS: 129,197 acres
Location: 3.7 miles northwest of St. Mary’s
Personnel: 213
Start Date: May 31, 2022
Cause: Natural, Lightning
Fuels: A mix of tundra, brush, and black spruce

Apoon Pass Fire
STATS: 43,820 acres

Location: 24 miles north of Mountain Village

ST. MARY’S, Alaska. – Progression has slowed, but the East Fork Fire remains active with dry fuels and wind-driven movement at its head, flank, and backing. However, most of the fire progression has shifted to the northeast edges, rather than the south. The shift in wind direction and cooler weather has allowed more fire-fighting activity directly on the fire's edge.  Operations:  Yesterday, smokejumpers worked the active edge of the western flank, supported by water drops from aircraft. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) used Plastic Sphere Dispensers (PSD) to burnout fuels around the southern toe of the fire. They made significant progress toward the goal of reducing fuels in the area between the Andreafsky River (North Fork) and the East Fork. In addition, crews improved an existing fireline constructed by a local fuels crew around the community of Pilot Station and prepped cabins on allotments to protect them from fire. No structures have been damaged or lost. Today, aerial ignitions using UAS will clean up unburned fuels between the North Fork and East Fork of the Andreafsky River. The Chena Hot Shots and smokejumper crews will continue their work of direct attack on the western flank, supported by aircraft. Crews will continue to improve primary and contingency containment lines protecting St. Mary’s, Pitkas Point, and Mountain Village, as well as improve existing line around Pilot Station. Assessments are being conducted to identify the best placement of additional containment line north and west of Pilot Station and of potentially vulnerable structures and allotments along the Yukon River east of Mountain Village. Work continues to secure the area around the fish weir and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cabin on the East Fork. If you have been watching the rapid growth of the Apoon Pass Fire in recent days, the growth is due to the fast spread of fire through the dry, light fuel of tundra grasses. Aerial monitoring of both the East Fork and Apoon Pass fires will continue daily in order to identify any allotments, structures, or cultural sites that may be at risk. As a reminder, temporary flight restrictions remain in effect (https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.jsp). Evacuations: No mandatory evacuation order in place. Voluntary relocations are continuing for St. Mary’s, Mountain Village, Pitkas Point, and Pilot Station. Some residents are sheltered temporarily in Bethel with support from the Red Cross and Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. Ready: St. Mary’s and Pitkas Point are currently in “Ready” position. Set: No communities at this time. Go: No communities at this time. Weather: Favorable weather may continue longer than expected, perhaps lasting into early next week. The next few days will see similar weather conditions holding with south winds. Wednesday may see the start of a warming trend and light, variable winds. With the southerly winds, smoke will be mostly dispersed away from the communities, but continued firing operations nearby could contribute to smoke in the area. East Fork Fire Information:
Phone: (907) 290-2852
Email: 2022.eastfork@firenet.gov
Statewide Fire Blog: akfireinfo.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/BLMAFS,
Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8148/

 Bureau of Land Management

Alaska Fire Service   Alaska Incident Management Team
 

A shift in wind direction gives firefighters a chanceto directly attack the East Fork Fire June 13, 2022, Daily Update, 9:30 AM 
 
 

East Fork Fire
STATS: 123,550 acres
Location: 3.7 miles northwest of St. Mary’s
Personnel: 204
Start Date: May 31, 2022
Cause: Natural, Lightning
Fuels: A mix of tundra, brush, and black spruce

Apoon Pass Fire
STATS: 29,955 acres

Location: 24 miles north of Mountain Village

ST. MARY’S, Alaska. – The progression of the East Fork Fire has slowed due to moderated temperatures and a wind shift from the north to the west. The fire edge remains more than three and a half miles from St. Mary’s. Gusty, northerly winds have driven the fire toward communities for the last week, but the wind direction has shifted to the southwest and cooler, damper weather is expected over the next few days. This weather window provides an opportunity for direct attack and firing operations that will increase protection for communities.A community meeting will be held at the St. Mary’s elementary school today, June 13, at 4 pm. The meeting will also be live streamed on Facebook.Operations:  Today smokejumpers will begin to work directly on the edge of the 29-mile western edge of the fire. They will work northward and be supported by water drops from scooping aircraft. Drones, also known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), will use Plastic Sphere Dispensers (PSD) to drop plastic balls along the southern toe of the fire between the Andreafsky River (North Fork) and the East Fork. The plastic balls ignite from a chemical reaction approximately 20 to 30 seconds after being dropped. The UAS can fly close to the ground so that the PSD can effectively and accurately fire an area with minimal risk to firefighters. Burning off the vegetation in this way creates a further break to slow down or stop fire progression. In addition, crews will improve an existing fireline constructed by a local fuels crew around the community of Pilot Station and prep cabins on allotments to protect them from fire. Work also continues to secure the area around the East Fork fish weir.Aerial monitoring of both the East Fork and Apoon Pass fires will continue to occur daily in order to identify any allotments or structures that may be at risk. As a reminder, temporary flight restrictions remain in effect (https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.jsp).Evacuations: No mandatory evacuation order in place. Voluntary relocations are continuing for St. Mary’s, Mountain Village, Pitkas Point, and Pilot Station. Residents are sheltered temporarily in Bethel with support from the Red Cross and Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. Ready: St. Mary’s and Pitkas Point are currently in “Ready” position. Set: No communities at this time.Go: No communities at this time.Weather: A wind switch to the southwest is a significant change in the weather that will help push the fire away from communities. With this weather change, fire behavior will be moderated with cloudy skies, cooler temperatures, and higher humidity. The wind is predicted to shift back to the north by Thursday. With the wind switch, smoke will be mostly dispersed toward the northeast, but additional firing operations nearby could still contribute to smoke in the area. East Fork Fire Information:
Phone: (907) 290-2852
Email: 2022.eastfork@firenet.gov
Statewide Fire Blog: akfireinfo.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/BLMAFS
Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8148/

 

More Crews Join to Keep Fire from Villages

June 12, 2022, Daily Update, 10:20 AM

 

East Fork Fire
STATS: 121,831 acres
Personnel: 204
Start Date: May 31, 2022
Cause: Natural, Lightning
Fuels: A mix of tundra, brush, and black spruce

Apoon Pass Fire
STATS: 15,000 acres

Location: 24 miles north of Mountain Village

ST. MARY’S, Alaska. – The East Fork Fire has moved to within approximately three and a half miles of the village of St. Mary's. Its progress has slowed somewhat due to slightly more favorable weather conditions, but the fire edge can now be seen from the road. Fire that has become established east of the East Fork has increased the risk to Pilot Station but is still ten miles from the community. The Apoon Pass Fire to the northwest is growing to the south, but is still 24 miles north of Mountain Village.

Operations:  Operations focus on strengthening the primary and secondary firelines protecting St. Mary's, Pitkas Point, Mountain Village, and the allotments in between. Cabins on several allotments outside of the main fireline have been prepped for protection from the fire. Additional crews are expected tomorrow to assist in the effort. Crews are preparing to support a potential burning operation that could extend 20 miles between St. Mary’s and Mountain Village. This operation would reduce fuels between the active fire and the villages to create a buffer and slow or stop the fire’s advance. Residents should be prepared for additional smoke if this operation becomes necessary. Firefighters successfully protected structures and equipment at the East Fork fish weir yesterday. Today several firefighters will be in Pilot Station evaluating options for opening up pre-existing fireline around the community. The Apoon Pass Fire was evaluated from the air yesterday. No structures that are immediately threatened were identified. Evacuations: No mandatory evacuation order is in place. Voluntary relocations are continuing for St. Mary's Mountain Village, Pitkas Point, and Pilot Station. 145 residents are sheltered temporarily in Bethel.  Ready: St. Mary's and Pitkas Point are currently in "Ready" position. The next 72 hours are critical.  Set: No communities at this time.  Go: No communities at this time. Weather: Temperatures will cool slightly and humidity will rise a bit to moderate fire conditions, though winds are projected to remain steadily out of the north today. A low pressure is moving in from the west that will likely result in moderating conditions including increased cloud cover, higher humidity, and cooler temperatures by tomorrow or Tuesday. Importantly, the front may bring a wind switch to the southwest that would help push the fire away from the villages.  Smoke: Air Quality Advisory is in effect until June 12 at 12 PM. Air quality will vary between GOOD and UNHEALTHY depending on wind flow and proximity to the fires. East Fork Fire Information: Phone: (907)888-2159; Email: 2022.eastfork@firenet.gov Statewide Fire Blog:akfireinfo.com/, Facebook: facebook.com/BLMAFS and Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8148/

Bureau of Land ManagementAlaska Fire Service 
Alaska Incident Management Team  
East Fork FireJune 11, 2022, Daily Update, 12:30 PM 
STATS:   108,347 acres, 180 personnel
Start Date: May 31, 2022
Cause: Natural, Lightning
Fuels: Tundra, Riparian, Spruce ST. MARY’S, Alaska. – Overnight the fire continued to grow south toward St. Mary’s but at a slower rate than it has been. The fire is currently four and a half miles away from the primary fireline and 5 miles from town. Last night at 2 AM, firefighters successfully implemented a defensive burnout, or firing operation, on the west side of the East Fork of the Andreafsky River to protect equipment and structures near the fish weir. They are currently burning on the east side of the weir to protect structures there.
Operations:  Crews on the ground include the North Star, Big River, and Mooseheart Type 2 crews and the Chena Hot Shots. Additional crews have been ordered and are expected to arrive by Monday. Another checkline is being constructed between St. Mary’s and Mountain Village to further protect nearby allotments. Heavy equipment work continues to reinforce the contingency line north of the village. Existing lines are being reinforced and plumbed with hoses and pumps. Boats are moving personnel and equipment to protect structures upriver of St. Mary’s.Fixed-wing aircraft have been reinforcing the contingency line directly around the village of St. Mary’s with retardant. Two helicopters are on site and another is on the way.Today fire management was transferred to the Alaska Type 2 Green Incident Management Team led by Peter Butteri.
Evacuations: No mandatory evacuation order in place. Voluntary relocations are continuing for St. Mary’s, Mountain Village, Pitkas Point, and Pilot Station.
Ready: St. Mary’s and Pitkas Point are currently in “Ready” position.
Set, Go: No communities at this time.
Be Ready: Prepare your property by creating defensible space. Residents should clean up and relocate combustible material from around their homes. This could include moving or removing debris, loose fuel containers, vehicles, or any other ignition sources near homes. Remove objects near the home that could trap embers and ignite a home. Keep grass, trees, or other vegetation near houses trimmed and cleared away.
Get Set: Prepare a “go-kit” including prescription medications, emergency supplies, important documents. Plan an evacuation route and keep up to date on the most current local emergency plans. Know where to find the most current information from local authorities.
Go! Get your “go-kit” and leave by following planned routes before the wildfire reaches your community. Cooperate with local authorities to relocate and when to return to your home.
Weather: Hot, dry conditions and north winds continue today and tomorrow. A low pressure is moving in from the west that will likely result in moderating conditions including increased cloud cover, higher humidity, cooler temperatures, and a chance of showers by Monday. Importantly, the front may bring a wind switch to the southwest that would help push the fire away from the villages.
Smoke: Air Quality Advisory is in effect until June 12 at 12 PM. Air Quality will vary between GOOD and UNHEALTHY depending on wind flow and proximity to the fires.
Fire Information Contacts: East Fork Fire Information, 907-388-2159; 2022.eastfork@firenet.govAlaska Wildland Fire Information, BLM Alaska Fire Service Facebook page, and Inciweb-East Fork Fire

A portion of the Forest in and around the 2022 Midnight Fire burn area is closed due to the risk of flooding and debris flows.

• Map
  
• Forest Order
  
• Forest Road (FR) statuses:
• Open: FR 123.
• Partially closed: FR 44 is closed between the intersections of CR 248 and the intersection of FR 123.
• Closed: FRs 44B, 44F,44D2, 44T9, 123D,123T6, 123T7, 123T9, 123T21, 172A,172I, 172I1, 173T2 and FR 72 G1.