Anderson Complex crews work to reduce fire suppression impacts

By AndersonComplex2023 on August 16, 2023

Firefighters assigned to the Anderson Complex are now working on separate but equally important assignments. Some continue to protect structures and allotments that are still threatened by fire. Others have been tasked with reducing the environmental impacts of fire suppression in areas that are no longer at risk.

The Shores Landing Fire (#325) continues to be active along the edges of the perimeter. A Blackhawk helicopter was used again yesterday to drop water on hotspots. Despite the flare ups, the fire still has not seen any significant growth. Crews expect to be finished in the next 48 hours with a project to create defensible space around an allotment northeast of the fire.

Crews in the area of the Teklanika River Fire (#257) are maintaining pumps, hoses and sprinklers set up to protect structures. They are also felling trees that have been damaged by fire to improve safety for firefighters and the public. Mop up of any remaining hotspots is also underway.

Crews in the City of Anderson completed their suppression repair work yesterday. Firefighters in the North Forties and Kobe Ag subdivisions are engaged in suppression repair today as well with support from heavy equipment operators.

Suppression repair is a critical part of wildland firefighting. It involves a number of post-fire measures designed to return fire lines, staging areas, helipads and other areas used by firefighters to as natural a state as is practicable. The primary goal is to minimize any further damage due to erosion.

Firefighters across the complex continue to remove pumps, hoses, and sprinklers that are no longer needed. Firefighting equipment that is still protecting threatened structures is not being removed.

The Anderson Complex includes the Teklanika River Fire (#257), Birch Creek Fire (#285), Shores Landing Fire (#325), Rock Creek Fire (#287), Bear Creek Fire

(#287), Kobe Road Fire (#297), Nenana River Fire (#288), and Nenana River 2 Fire (#289). The fires have a combined acreage of 58,933 acres.

WEATHER: There is an increased chance for rain and the possibility of thunderstorms today. Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 60s with winds mostly from the northwest at 5-10 mph. Relative humidity will be higher. Minimal fire behavior is expected.

EVACUATIONS: The Teklanika River and all residents along the Teklanika River remain in evacuation status GO. Individuals in this area should evacuate now. Do not delay. The Tri-Valley School is available for evacuation parking and will be available as an evacuation center, if needed.

The Rose Hip Creek area and Clear Sky homestead are in evacuation status SET. Individuals in this area should be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice if necessary. Those re-entering burned areas should be aware of possible hazards, including fire-damaged trees, ash pits, smoldering stumps or logs, and the potential for flash flooding. Firefighters will still be in the area. Please give them room to work.

The City of Anderson, the North Forties subdivision, and Kobe Ag subdivision are in evacuation status READY. Individuals in this area should remain ready for possible evacuation.

Visit the Denali Borough website for additional information.

CLOSURE: The City of Anderson has closed the shooting range until further notice for firefighter and public safety. Firefighters are working in the area for the next several days. The campground and playground are open.

Categories: AK Fire Info

Tags: 2023 Alaska Fire Season, Anderson Complex, Bear Creek Fire, Birch Creek Fire, Kobe Road Fire, Nenana River 2 Fire, Nenana River Fire, Rock Creek Fire, Shores Landing Fire, Teklanika River Fire