Residents of the Village of Tanacross and the Eagle subdivision were allowed to return home at 8pm last night. Eight hotshot crews from the lower 48 and numerous other resources arrived yesterday. Additional aircraft resources have been requested to meet incident objectives. Work continued to secure structures in the Crystal Springs area and crews started to mop-up and secure the line on the southeast corner. The fire is 15% contained at this time.
The Eagle Trail Fire continues to be the priority fire in the state. Fire crews are focused on keeping the Alaska Highway open between Milepost 1324-1332 and continue structure protection in the Eagle subdivision, Village of Tanacross, Crystal Springs and Mansfield Village.
Currently Alaska Fire Weather indices are at extreme. The winter was very dry, with little or no moisture in the interior of Alaska from November until now. Wet meadows and willow patches that normally wouldn’t support fire spread are ineffective as natural barriers, control lines or safety zones.
Weather: Red flag warnings are in effect through the evening for low humidities. Hot and dry weather is expected to continue through mid week with thunderstorms forecasted till Tuesday. Winds are predicted to be light except when thunderstorms cells are overhead which can cause erratic and gusty winds.
Road Conditions: Firefighters and firefighting equipment are located on the Alaska Highway from Milepost 1321 near the Eagle subdivision to milepost 1330 near Moon Lake. Due to the active wildland fire activity on the Alaska Highway there can be temporary traffic delays. Traffic near the affected area is being escorted by fire personnel. Drivers are urged to use caution as dust and smoke is limiting visibility. Drive slowly with headlights on and do not stop in areas where the fire is encroaching on the road.
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the Tanacross airport. It is a 5 mile radius from the airport up to 5000 feet. Contact frequency is 133.45. Pilots are advised to check NOTAMS before flying into or around the Tok area.
The Incident Command Post (ICP) is located at the school in Tok, Alaska. Information updates are posted on local bulletin boards in town. Local residents are welcome to call or visit us at the ICP. For a statewide perspective on the current fire situation you can view the AICC website at http://fire.ak.blm.gov/content/news/highlights/current.pdf
Information taken from the InciWeb website