The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Evacuation Order for the following areas:

•  Tassajara Road from China Camp Campground to the Tassajara Zen Center in Los Padres National Forest, including tributary Forest Routes.
• Upgraded the Evacuation Warning to an Order for Zone WF-3a. All areas of the Arroyo Seco Road west of Woodtick Canyon, to include the Arroyo Seco Campground, Rocky Creek Road, Camp Cawatre.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Evacuation Warning for the following area:

• Tassajara Road from China Camp Campground in the Los Padres National Forest northwest to Kincannon Canyon. The Warning stops at the Los Padres National Forest boundary. This does not include Kincannon Road or tributaries of Jamesburg or Cachagua Road.

Arroyo Seco Recreation Area is closed. Tassajara Road is closed from the Tassajara Zen Center to China Camp. Arroyo Seco Road is under an evacuation advisory to Carmel Valley Road. Evacuation warning for areas north of Arroyo Seco Campground to Anastasia Canyon; west of Carmel Valley Rd, and east of Tassajara Rd.

This is our final update for the Haystack Fire (#196). The fire is 100 percent contained and control objectives have been reached. No hot spots have been identified by infrared flights in the past two days. The Fairbanks Area Division of Forestry is schedule to assume command for the incident on Thursday, July 1. Thank you to all of the communities that have been so supportive of our work on this fire.

The Tanana Chiefs Initial Attack Crew and the Midnight Sun Hotshots are the last crews on the hillside. They have walked the last grid lines, constructed waterbars and erosion control measures, prepared tools and equipment for sling loads, cleaned the spike camps, and are ready to leave the fireline today. Air operations and ground support staff are working hard to remove all of the remaining people and equipment.

The Division of Forestry will coordinate with land managers for the best opportunity to repair dozer lines created for fire suppression, once the threat of new starts has passed. Land managers insist everyone stay out of the area due to numerous hazards that are common after a fire, including standing dead trees and ash pits. Falling limbs and trees can be lethal. Ash pits can cause serious injuries such as severe burns and broken bones due to falling. Stay on the traditional trails that existed before the fire. Do not approach or disturb research plots or instrumentation devices.

Vegetation remains very dry throughout interior Alaska. Fire behavior could be extreme if a new fire starts. Please recreate safely over the July 4 holiday. Keep your families and homes safe, as well as your favorite public lands and the crews that respond to wildfire incidents.

The Bureau of Land Management is again accepting reservations for the Moose Creek Cabin in the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

The temporary flight restriction (TFR) for the Haystack Fire remains in effect until 8:00am on Thursday, July 1. Keep drones away from the fire area during the busy demobilization window. If you fly, we can’t. For more information on the TFR, visit https://tfr.faa.gov.

Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations encourages residents to sign up for wildland fire information alerts issued by the borough by texting "FNSB2021Wildfire" to 226787.

Fire Size: 927 acres  Containment: 100%  Total Personnel: 149

Start Date: 06/14/2021 Location: 18 miles N of Fairbanks, AK  Cause: Lightning

Public Information: (907) 931- 8113 Email: 2021.Haystack@firenet.gov

 (Fairbanks, AK) – Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 29 will be the final update on the Haystack Fire (#196). The fire is 100 percent contained and the team is working hard to meet control objectives. The incident is expected to be transferred to the Division of Forestry on Thursday, July 1.

Four crews of firefighters are methodically walking the remaining grid lines, searching for hot spots, and monitoring the fire area. They are supported by a complex array of air operations. Drone pilots are slated to conduct another day of infrared missions. Helicopter crews continue to provide needed supplies to the fireline and ferry surplus equipment back to the supply unit for refurbishing and distribution to other fires.

Between June 18 and 26, an estimated 155,000 pounds of cargo and 451 passengers have been transported in 40.5 hours of flight time to support Haystack Fire suppression efforts. Behind the scenes, intricate planning for operations helps to orchestrate the complex supply, logistics, and communications to support the ground operations. The entire team is eager to complete the assignment as fire hazards and new ignitions flare in other parts of Alaska.

The White Mountain Crew was assisting the contingency group for the Haystack Fire, ready to respond for initial attack in the region. Late yesterday afternoon they were deployed for initial attack for the Brock Road Fire (#294) near North Pole.

The temporary flight restriction (TFR) was established for the Haystack Fire to control aircraft in the vicinity of the fire, providing a safe operating environment for firefighting aircraft. Please respect the TFR; keep drones away from the fire and firefighting operations. If you fly, we can’t. Don’t be the reason a firefighting air mission has to divert! For more information on the TFR, visit https://tfr.faa.gov.

The Moose Creek Cabin in the White Mountains National Recreation Area is closed due to proximity to the fire. The Bureau of Land Management will continue to monitor the fire status and resume reservations when firefighting efforts in the area are reduced.

Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations encourages residents to sign up for wildland fire information alerts issued by the borough by texting "FNSB2021Wildfire" to 226787.

Public Information: (907) 931- 8113        Email: 2021.Haystack@firenet.gov

(Fairbanks, AK) – With the Haystack Fire (#196) containment line complete, crews are focusing on control objectives, searching for hot spots in the burned area and the surrounding green vegetation. Infrared flights are providing fast and accurate information, greatly speeding up the process for mop-up. Drone pilots are capturing latitude and longitude of hot spots, directing crews to specific areas of concern.

The infrared flights are more effective in cool weather, with greater temperature contrast between hot spots and surrounding areas. Moderate temperatures are forecast for several days. Unmanned aircraft system pilots are scheduled to fly several missions today and tomorrow to identify remaining hot spots.

The unmanned aircraft systems fly within the temporary flight restriction (TFR) that was established for the Haystack Fire to control aircraft in the vicinity of the fire, providing a safe operating environment for firefighting aircraft. Please respect the TFR; keep drones away from the fire and firefighting operations. If you fly, we can’t. Don’t be the reason a firefighting air mission has to divert! For more information on the TFR, visit https://tfr.faa.gov.

Many thanks to the Upper Tanana Crew #2 and SRV Crew #12. They are ending their rotations today and will be heading home for rest before their next assignments. The Highlands Crew is presently monitoring the west side of the fire. Winema, Midnight Sun, and Tanana Chiefs crews are working the remaining grueling grid lines and responding to hot spots. White Mountain Crew is assisting the contingency group and ready to respond for initial attack in the region. Community members have expressed deep gratitude to all of the crews and their hard work!

The Moose Creek Cabin in the White Mountains National Recreation Area is closed due to proximity to the fire. The Bureau of Land Management will continue to monitor the fire status and resume reservations when firefighting efforts in the area are reduced.

Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations encourages residents to sign up for wildland fire information alerts issued by the borough by texting "FNSB2021Wildfire" to 226787.

Public Information: (907) 931- 8113        Email: 2021.Haystack@firenet.gov

www.akfireinfo.com ♦inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7548 ♦ http://www.facebook.com/AK.Forestry

 (Fairbanks, AK) – Late last night, Incident Commander, Ed Sanford, announced crews have reached 100 percent containment on the Haystack Fire (#196). Firefighters still have several days of mop up work ahead before control objectives will be reached.

A moist, southwest flow is again changing the weather in the Fairbanks area, favoring fire suppression efforts. Temperatures are expected to cool, and rain is forecast for Tuesday evening into Wednesday. These conditions are expected to continue to decrease the potential for active fire behavior.

Until the cool, wet weather arrives, hot spots remain a concern, particularly in the southwestern portion of the fire. Firefighters continue to walk grid lines throughout the burned area and in the surrounding green vegetation, finding and cooling hot spots. Fire can follow roots deep into the soil. Dens, rodent caches, and other holes created by animals can also provide pathways for fire to burn deep into the ground. Ash pits can form in these deeply burned areas, which can harbor hot embers for a substantial length of time.

For the next several days, pilots are scheduled to deploy firefighting unmanned aircraft systems over the Haystack Fire. These aircraft, also known as drones, are equipped with infrared photography equipment. This technology can gather information quickly, reducing helicopter flight time, and keeping firefighters working safely on the ground. The data pinpoint the locations where the fire has burned deeply and more work is needed. 

The unmanned aircraft systems fly within the temporary flight restriction (TFR) that was established for the Haystack Fire to control aircraft in the vicinity of the fire, providing a safe operating environment for firefighting aircraft. Please respect the TFR; keep drones away from the fire and firefighting operations. If you fly, we can’t. Don’t be the reason a firefighting air mission has to divert! For more information on the TFR, visit https://tfr.faa.gov.

The Moose Creek Cabin in the White Mountains National Recreation Area is closed due to proximity to the fire. The Bureau of Land Management will continue to monitor the fire status and resume reservations when firefighting efforts in the area are reduced. 

Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations encourages residents to sign up for wildland fire information alerts issued by the borough by texting "FNSB2021Wildfire" to 226787.

Public Information: (907) 931- 8113         Email: 2021.Haystack@firenet.gov

www.akfireinfo.com ♦inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7548 ♦ http://www.facebook.com/AK.Forestry

(Fairbanks, AK)-In addition to mop up on the active fire perimeter, crews are gridding through unburned areas. Gridding is a process of methodically checking areas to ensure that there are no hot spots or hold over fires. The hot, dry, and windy conditions warranted Red Flag warnings throughout the Interior yesterday. These conditions dry the forest fuels and provide air to hidden heat sources, giving smoldering fires the ability to gain traction. The weather tested the firelines that have been mopped up and they have successfully held. Weather conditions will remain favorable for flare ups or new starts.

Structure protection operations around the Haystack community are complete. Firefighters developed a contingency plan to protect nearby structures, in addition to discussions with property owners about vegetation clearing and Firewise practices. These firefighters are now available for assisting elsewhere on the incident or responding to local initial attack activities. Initial attack is defined as an aggressive action to put the fire out by the first resources to arrive, consistent with safety for firefighters and the public, as well as values to be protected. Current weather conditions require resources to be ready to respond at any time of the day to help the local Division of Forestry with new aggressive fire starts.

The fire season in Alaska is underway and is relying on the local resources that are currently available. A big incident like the Haystack Fire pulls resources to focus on a priority incident. Lower 48 resources are being used alongside Alaska’s local crews. Due to the increase of fire activity nationwide, available resources will dwindle as other fires also become priorities. Fire managers expect another year with unprecedented fire conditions, fire activity and the associated demands placed on the finite resources available. It is critical to manage scarce resources with an eye on not only the current fire, but the local area, and the national perspective. Fire managers need to prepare for a “marathon” rather than a “sprint.”

The Moose Creek Cabin in the White Mountains National Recreation Area is closed due to proximity to the fire. The Bureau of Land Management will continue to monitor the fire status and resume reservations when firefighting efforts in the area are reduced.

Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations encourages residents to sign up for wildland fire information alerts issued by the borough by texting "FNSB2021Wildfire" to 226787.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire and some of the surrounding area to provide a safe operating environment for firefighting aircraft. Go to https://tfr.faa.gov for more information.

Public Information: (907) 931- 8113        Email: 2021.Haystack@firenet.gov

www.akfireinfo.com ♦inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7548 ♦ http://www.facebook.com/AK.Forestry

(Fairbanks, AK) - A Red Flag is in effect for the Fairbanks area, including Haystack Mountain, due to forecasted hot, dry, and windy weather. The fine fuels are expected to dry with this weather trend and be susceptible to extreme fire behavior. This might produce some visible smoke coming from green pockets in the interior of the fire perimeter. Potential red flag conditions are forecast over the next few days.

Many resources are supporting fire suppression efforts for the Haystack Fire (#196). Fire crews, heavy equipment, air resources, and incident management teams from local agencies and the Lower 48 are all working together. The incident management team works closely with local land managers to continually assess the need for resources, not only for the Haystack Fire but throughout the region. A contingency group assigned to Haystack Fire has the responsibility to support the local area if another incident starts.

Fire crews and aerial resources are shared between incidents to serve the most urgent needs. When the Straight Creek Fire (#224) started on Sunday, June 20th two miles north of the Parks Highway, resources were successfully reallocated. Helicopters and the Yukon crew were redirected from the Haystack Fire to Straight Creek to support the initial attack. This preplanning and cooperation was vital to catch that fire in the early stages.

Haystack Fire containment lines on the west side of the fire have been completed, and as of today that portion of the fire area has been placed in monitor status. This means that the crews have completed mop up required on the edge of the fire line and have cooled all identified hot spots. This accomplishment allows firefighters to focus on the south side of the fire for the next several days.

The Chena Hotshots were flown to the fire yesterday to replace crews that are rotating out for rest. Assignments are typically for 14 days, followed by two days to rest and reset to be available for this assignment. With this timeline in mind, fire managers plan ahead to replace crews to continue with the planned work and keep firefighters safe and healthy. This cycle of resources is vital to make sure we have consistent support on the fire line, especially for extended incidents.

The Moose Creek Cabin in the White Mountains National Recreation Area is closed due to proximity to the fire. The Bureau of Land Management will continue to monitor the fire status and resume reservations when firefighting efforts in the area are reduced.

Remember to be FireWise and check with your local division of forestry on current burn permit conditions.

Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations encourages residents to sign up for wildland fire information alerts issued by the borough by texting "FNSB2021Wildfire" to 226787.

Public Information: (907) 931- 8113        Email: 2021.Haystack@firenet.gov

 Haystack Fire Update
 June 23, 2021
 Incident Commander: Ed Sanford

(Fairbanks, AK)- Fire crews, along with aviation and heavy equipment resources have put in a substantial amount of work along the perimeter of the Haystack Fire (#196) which has been reflected by an increase of containment to 66%.

Hotshot crews assigned will be focused more on the southern part of the fire’s edge moving towards their goal of full containment. They will start on both the east and west edges and work towards the middle to tie in and complete their mop up. This work is conducted in steep terrain, mixed with areas with a thick duff layer. To ensure that they are thorough with checking and securing their work areas, firefighters will set a pace that will likely take several days to cover that much ground.

The hot, dry, and windy weather pattern will continue for the next couple days. These warm sunny days, as well as forecasted wind events will dry out the fine fuels in the area. This weather will test the work that has been done to secure containment lines. Fire managers are optimistic that the work will withstand this upcoming weather trend. Lightning and thunderstorms are also expected throughout the week. The combination of drier fuels, wind and lightning will increase fire danger locally.