Single Publication

Grapefruit Complex Update, July 2nd, 2024  

Alaska Incident Management Team 3

Incident Commander- Peter Butteri  

Location: 40 Miles north of Fairbanks

 Complex Acres: 58,153

Personnel: 237

 Containment: 0%                                                         

State Emergency Managers, Alaska State Troopers and Fire Managers worked together to broadcast the increased evacuation levels along the Elliot Highway Corridor. The “GO” evacuation levels increased to include Mile Post 30 to 50. 

Despite the rain that was experienced in the Fairbanks area, there was no measurable precipitation over the fire area. Today there is a high probability of a wind event over the fire area.  Due to southwest winds, smoke will likely impede driving conditions that may lead to significant road delays for north and south bound travel. 

All of the fires in the complex have grown under the hot and dry conditions with more predicted wind in the area today. Firefighters are preparing for a chance of cooler, moist weather moving into the area starting tomorrow. Crews will continue to identify values at risk and protect structures as the fires move toward the east. The Elliot Highway, Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Native Allotments, as well as public and private structures all remain high priorities for firefighters. 

The Globe Fire (#253), estimated at 15,011 acres, was burning primarily in an easterly direction and further into the White Mountains. 

The Iver Fire (#249), estimated at 35,140 acres, is expected to grow more to the east today potentially bringing the active fire edge closer to the Elliott Highway, the neighborhoods along the highway corridor and the Globe Fire. Smoke from this and The Iver Fire are impacting visibility.

Smoke: Higher winds to be experienced today will increase smoke production impacting road conditions and air quality. 

The complex also includes:

• The Eagle Fire (#306) is estimated at 2,071 acres. It wasn’t immediately threatening any known sites of value. This lightning-caused fire has been burning since late Friday night and has shown significant growth in the past few days.
• The Wilber Fire (#308) was reported at about 2 p.m. Saturday. It is about 3 miles west of Mile Post 51 and estimated at 281 acres. This fire was showing significant activity in the afternoon and acreage growth is expected to the east that can push smoke over the Elliot Hwy. 
• The Noordor Fire (#192) is estimated at 11,848 acres. This lightning-caused fire has been burning on BLM-managed land since June 20th. This fire is being monitored by aerial resources and will be engaged if they start getting close to values at risk.
• The Fossil Fire (#115) is estimated at 8 acres and exhibiting minimal fire activity or smoke, but will still be grouped into the complex. It is located in the White Mountains National Recreation Area. This fire is being monitored by aerial resources and will be engaged if they start getting close to values at risk.

Evacuation: Evacuation levels were increased Yesterday, July 1st. The new levels are represented as: 

“Go”  (Red)Elliott Highway Mile Post 30-50 

“Set” (Yellow) Elliott Highway Mile Post 50-60

“Ready” (Green): Elliott Highway Mile Post 18-30 and 60-70

Road access:  The section of the Elliott Highway near the Globe Fire is open. Expect significant delays between Mile Posts 25-50 if fire activity increases. Please exercise caution and patience, turn on your headlights to help ensure the safety of firefighters and flaggers working in the area. Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities contracted workers and a pilot car are helping keep the flow of traffic open. Check https://511.alaska.gov/ for road updates. 

Temporary Flight Restriction:  A TFR is in place during the day to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft.

Closures:  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Eastern Interior Field Office closed the western portion of the White Mountains National Recreation Area surrounding the Wickersham Dome Trailhead at Mile Post 28 Elliott Highway. The closure is in effect until Sept. 1st, unless the BLM determines the area is safe for public use at an earlier time.

Public Information Map for Grapefruit Complex, July 2

Sat, 07/06/2024 - 09:58

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Public Information Map for Grapefruit Complex, July 2