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LATEST FIRE INFORMATION July 2004

Fairbanks, Ak – THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION GATHERED FROM THE ALASKA INTERAGENCY COORDINATION CENTER.

Structure Protection Still Critical

Around Alaska, Boundary and Wolf Creek fires remain the most immediate threat to homes. Elsewhere yesterday, structure protection preparations continue but were not tested by fire. Boundary and Wolf Creek moved only short distances yesterday.

Both fires were mapped with airborne infrared sensors. The mapped growth occurred over several days, but smoke limited mapping opportunities. Boundary Fire is now 280,235 acres, and Wolf Creek is 174,024 acres.

Firefighters believe that Boundary Fire has not spread to Haystack, Fairbanks Creek Road, south and west of these residences. They continue to patrol in extremely heavy smoke.

Protecting homes and other buildings is second only to safety as the highest priority for firefighters at both Boundary and Wolf Creek Fires. Both fires spread much less in the last 24 hours than in previous days. Much urgent work remains, however. For example, if actual conditions continue to match forecasted weather as they have all week on Boundary, there will be a burnout behind Fairbanks Creek Road this morning. A fireline is already prepared around buildings along the road. The area in between will be burned under favorable conditions so it will not later approach the line as an uncontrollable fire.

On Wolf Creek fire, hardwoods have slowed fire spread immediately around Chena Hot Springs Resort. The Resort's excellent and long-standing defensible space is expected to protect it very well when the fire does arrive. Fire moved more aggressively in black spruce in the half mile west of the Resort. The edge of the Wolf Creek Fire is about a quarter mile south of the Chena River at Chena Hot Springs Road mile marker 54.

As previously reported, structures have burned on both Boundary and Wolf Creek Fires. A more complete and specific assessment will be completed when fire managers no longer need to focus full-time on structure protection. On large fires where structures have burned in other states, this has taken several days. The people working on these fires recognize that residents have urgent needs to know the fate of their homes, and ask for patience and understanding in a situation that is difficult for everyone.

Incident Management Teams prepared yesterday before taking formal responsibility for Boundary and Wolf Creek Fires. Steve Hart's Type 1 team will manage Boundary. Allen Chrisman's Type II team will take command of firefighting for Wolf Creek.

Today's weather is expected to help moderate fire behavior in Alaska. Lighter winds, moister air, and partial cloud cover all help. South winds may help dilute smoke over Fairbanks and other communities. Firefighters hope it may clear enough to allow safe and effective use of some aircraft.

Bans on fireworks and open fires are in place for much of central Alaska, including Anchorage, the Tanana Valley, and the MatSu area.

BOUNDARY FIRE: 387 people are working on the fire. Firefighters on Friday built dozer line and completed some of the burnout operations near Haystack and Fairbanks Creek Road. Steese Highway remains closed, except to Fort Knox day-shift workers who show identification. Fort Knox employees may get additional information at 907- 490-2205.

WOLF CREEK FIRE: Fire intensity declined gradually all day and night, giving firefighters some opportunities to prepare structure defense ahead of the fire.

TAYLOR HIGHWAY COMPLEX: Smoke continues to limit visual confirmation of fire behavior and growth for the fires in the Taylor Complex. On Friday, the 147 people staffing the fires continued to maintain safe traffic movement on the Highway and to protect structures and allotments.

CAMP CREEK FIRE: On Friday the 92,000 acre fire made some large runs, but not close enough to be an immediate threat to buildings. A Type 2 Incident Management Team has been ordered.

EAGLE COMPLEX: The complex of ten fires have burned 441,614 acres. Structure protection around Eagle remains a top priority. Smokejumpers continued cabin structure protection on multiple fires. Many of the remote fires were not monitored due to heavy smoke.

SOLSTICE COMPLEX: Friday's fire activity on the 157,630-acre Pingo Fire and 128,750-acre Winter Trail Fire included torching and short runs in black spruce. The Winter Trail Fire crossed the Christian River. Helicopters dropped water to slow down the fire's western edge.

FORT HAMLIN HILLS: The 44,970-acre fire smoldered and spread slowly against the wind on Friday. Firefighters secured a short edge of fire next to Dalton Highway.

Statistical Summaries: 60 active fires including 3 new; 10 fires staffed. Statewide year-to-date: 337 total fires on 1,727,433 acres

For fire information, visit the Alaska Fire Service Home Page at http://fire.ak.blm.gov/ or call 356-3511