Fairbanks, AK – Red Flag Warnings have been cancelled for the interior. The National Weather Service is predicting a change in the winds for today. Meteorologists hope the shift in wind, cooler temperatures and higher humidity will help stem the progress of fires blazing around Interior Alaska. The Weather Service is also looking for some rain by early next week.
The Boundary Fire was again fanned by northeast winds overnight. Fire information officers say the Boundary fire has not entered the Haystack subdivision area. Bulldozer lines and fire hose lays are in place, and engine crews continue to prepare the area for structure protection.
A team of some of the nation's most experienced fire managers has arrived in Alaska for Boundary fire. They will work in tandem with the current fire management team before assuming command of fire operations. North Fairbanks Borough provides updates about Boundary and Wolf Creek fires every two hours at http://www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/EService/EOP.HTM/
In the Poker Flats area, dozer breaks and burnout operations have been conducted to secure both the Poker Flats and the Chatanika Lodge. Almost 300 people are working on the Boundary Fire.
In the Fairbanks area's other wildfire, The Wolf Creek fire picked up last night . Gleason says it burned westward along the North Fork of the Chena River, and Chena Hot Springs Road. The situation forced closure of Chena Hot Springs Road at Angel Creek last night. That's mile 49. The road remains closed Friday with no word when it will reopen. There are numerous cabins and other structures along the North Fork of the Chena River. It's anticipated that the Wolf Creek Fire will slow down as flames hit an old burn on the road's west side, and stands of hardwood to the east.
The Steese Highway remains closed. Evacuations of Steese Highway, Chatanika Lodge, Bears Den, Olnes East, Olnes West and the Elliot Highway (from mile marker 10 to mile marker 28, including Himalaya Road area) remain in effect. Motorist are reminded to drive with their headlights on during these smoky conditions.
The Alaska Interagency Fire Information Center, located at Alaska Fire Service in Fairbanks ((907) 356-5511 is now being staffed 24-hours a day.
K-U-A-C WILL BROADCAST AND POST UPDATES AS THEY COME IN.
ADDITIONAL FIRE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT http://fire.ak.blm.gov/