Recent fire activity across the Ptarmigan Complex has seen a significant decline, attributed to cloud cover and cooler temperatures. Fire behavior primarily consisted of creeping, backing, and smoldering on the Birch, Turtle, and Buckley Bar Fires.
On the Turtle Fire (#243), which was first reported on June 19, fire activity has been minimal. Fire crews noted creeping and smoldering in multiple areas. The Tatanka Hotshots and the Alaska Range Module were deployed to mop up hot spots along the northern edge of the Turtle Fire. However, concerns remain regarding jackstraw fuels that can retain heat. Yesterday marked the last operational shift for the Tatanka Hotshots, who will transition to another fire today. The Crow Peak Wildland Fire Module and Alaska Range Module will continue to address hot spots and work toward establishing a 100-foot buffer of cold black along the fire’s perimeter.
Furthermore, an uncrewed aerial system (UAS) module was utilized to conduct an aerial assessment of the fire. This included flying an indirect line along the allotments south of Steese Highway and inspecting the northern edge for any signs of heat. The UAS revealed no heat outside the designated fire perimeter. It enabled firefighters to pinpoint hot spots for effective mopping-up efforts. This was also the UAS module’s last operational shift.
The Turtle Fire is located approximately 10 miles east of Central, Alaska, and 12 miles south of Circle, Alaska, having ignited due to lightning.
In contrast, the Alligator Fire (#265), discovered on June 20 and located about 3 miles north of Central, remains unstaffed and is currently being monitored from the air.
The Buckley Bar Fire (#264), also discovered on June 20 and caused by lightning, continues to be under monitoring status. Situated approximately 17 miles southwest of Central, the fire is being observed carefully for any changes.
Similarly, the Deadwood Fire (#214), began on the same day and is also fire on monitoring status in Central, AK.
Lastly, the Birch Fire (#256) is currently unstaffed and under monitoring. Discovered on June 20, it is approximately 4 miles northwest of Circle and was initiated by a lightning strike.
A Level 1 ‘Ready’ Alert remains effective for the communities in Central and the surrounding regions, including the Steese Highway from Milepost 123 to Milepost 151. This alert encourages residents to prepare for potential evacuations, especially those with special needs, pets, or livestock. Citizens are advised to gather essential items, including prescriptions and important documents, while remaining vigilant for updates from local authorities.
Drivers in the area should anticipate possible traffic delays on the Steese Highway, Circle Hot Springs Road, and Deadwood Creek Road due to local firefighting operations.
Additionally, a NOTAM (#07/118) has been issued for Central Airport (CEM), indicating an increase in air traffic at altitudes of 5,000 feet MSL and below within a 20 nautical mile radius. This increase correlates with elevated firefighting aviation operations.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Alaska Fire Service continues to coordinate with various agencies to handle wildland fire suppression across over 240 million acres of land in Alaska. Located at Fort Wainwright, the BLM Alaska Fire Service is engaged not only in fire suppression but also in policy interpretation, aviation program oversight, and fuels management projects.
For additional information and updates regarding the BLM Alaska Fire Service, visit their website or social media platforms, which include a Flickr channel, providing public domain imagery for news coverage.
As efforts to manage these fires continue, the BLM and its partners remain committed to ensuring the safety of both residents and the natural environment in Alaska’s vast wilderness.
image source from：akfireinfo
