Fairbanks, AK – Local healthcare providers have been answering calls on the health effects of the wildfire smoke. Since smokey conditions are expected to persist, the Borough is setting up a temporary Health Resource Line .
Between 7am and 7pm, a team will answer phone lines based on recommendations from Public Health, CDC, DEC and EPA published information.
The number to call is 458-6999.
This call center is designed to answer basic questions about wildfire smoke, and not intended to handle medical screening. Please call you doctor if you have concerns about your health or dial 911 for an emergency.
In fire news: the Boundary Fire experienced some activity on the eastern flank yesterday, and an evacuation was issued for the Haystack subdivision west to the Elliot Highway.
Currently, 2,252 people are working on the fires in Alaska, including 42 Type 2 Alaska Village Crews, fifteen Type 2 Initial Attack Crews from the lower 48 states, four Type 1 Alaska Crews and eight Type 1 crews from the lower 48 states.
Boundary Fire
Varying fire behavior was observed yesterday on the Boundary Fire. All air operations were grounded due to the heavy smoke yesterday. Thunderstorms produced erratic winds and the head of the fire began moving southwest. Afternoon thunderstorms and light northeast winds are predicted again today. Crews continued to make progress on the hot spots on the southern portion of the line yesterday, and will keep securing the line and mopping up along the fire's edge. The south perimeter of the fire is approximately eight miles north of the Chena Hot Springs Road. Firefighters will assess the control line and burnout needs on the western flank of the fire.
An evacuation order was issued at 6:45 p.m. last night for the Haystack subdivision west to the Elliot Highway. A Red Cross Evacuation Center has been established at the Randy Smith School.
THE PHONE NUMBER AT THE EVACUATION CENTER IS 451-8267. THE FIRE INFORMATION NUMBER FOR HAYSTACK RESIDENTS IS 451-5510.
Central Complex .
A slow backing fire with minimal perimeter growth was observed on the Central Complex yesterday due to a smoke inversion. The inversion also limited reconnaissance and suppression flights. The main emphasis on the fire remains community and structure protection, and firefighters will work today to set up protection in the towns of Circle and Central. .
Taylor Highway Complex .
A heavy inversion, low humidity and high temperatures caused active burning that developed large convection columns; torching and crown runs were observed yesterday. Crews began cabin and allotment protection in the Moose's Horn Bend area and continued to mop up dozer lines from Taylor Highway to Porcupine Bluff. Today, firefighters will continue to establish cabin and allotment protection in the Porcupine Fire area. The heavy smoke is a continued concern for both residents and firefighters.
Wolf Creek Fire
Crews removed hose from around structures in the North Fork of the Chena drainage. Burnout operations were initiated, but were stalled due to precipitation and erratic winds. Today, operations will begin at 6:00 a.m. before fire activity increases. Firing operations will be attempted earlier today to avoid hindering weather conditions.
Evansville Fire
Fire activity remained low, and mop-up continued along the winter road. Sprinkler systems were installed around structures on the South Fork allotment. Crews will continue to mop-up today.
Eagle Complex
Fire behavior was minimal in the morning yesterday but as the afternoon progressed, the inversion lifted, humidity decreased, and fire behavior increased. Additional reconnaissance information was gathered on the Dawson #31, Lucky Creek and King Creek Fires. Structure protection is progressing around Eagle. Line construction on the Deer Creek Fire is continuing today.
Solstice Complex
Low to moderate fire activity was observed yesterday. Line construction and holding actions are planned for the south and southwest flanks of the Pingo Fire. A transfer of command to two Type 3 organizations is being planned for the evening of July 20.
Chicken Complex
An inversion lessened fire activity yesterday. Burnout operations continued along the Taylor Highway west of the community of Chicken. Thunderstorms produced gusty winds, limited amounts of scattered rain and some lightening. Today, crews will continue to scout cabins, mines and allotments. They will also mop-up southwest of Chicken.
Camp Creek
Aggressive fire behavior was observed yesterday, and the fire spotted to the south side of the Goodpaster River. Crews are working to prevent the fire from spreading into the Salcha River drainage.
For more fire information on individual fires, please call (907) 356-5511 or go on-line at http://fire.ak.blm.gov/