by Alaska Wildland Fire Information
Evacuation preparedness status is lifted.
ST. MARY’S, Alaska – Activity on the East Fork and Apoon Pass fires has slowed due to favorable weather conditions and suppression operations. The fire edges closest to communities are contained. The southern edges of the East Fork Fire no longer pose an immediate threat to nearby communities and the “Ready” evacuation status has been lifted. Crew continue to mop up and monitor containment line and assess and prepare allotments and other values north of the fire.
Operations: Containment has been completed along the southwestern area of the fire. Crews are working the “shoulder” section of the western flank that has seen recent fire activity. The southeastern portion of the fire has been confined by the burnout operations, fire breaks, and natural features. Crews are mopping up on the east flank and using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to detect and extinguish remaining heat. Structures and remote allotments north of the East Fork Fire are being prepped and protected.
Growth of the Apoon Pass Fire has slowed considerably due to water drops and as it becomes confined by natural features, such as lakes and wetlands. Assessments will be conducted over the next day or two to determine if crews are needed on the ground there. Allotments around the Apoon Pass Fire and along the Yukon to Fish Village are being assessed for protection needs.
The strategy for the East Fork Fire is to confine or suppress the southern portion that is outside of the Wilderness, approximately 58% of the fire edge. The northern portion of the fire (about 42%) is burning into the Andreafsky Wilderness and the strategy there is point protection of allotments and cabins, but not to control the spread of the fire. Of the 58% of the boundary that will be contained, 67% has been completed. When the fire boundary is marked as contained, it means we have confidence the fire will not cross that line again.
Aerial monitoring of both the East Fork and Apoon Pass fires will continue regularly to ensure containment is holding and to identify any allotments, structures, or cultural sites that may be at risk. As a reminder, temporary flight restrictions remain in effect (https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.jsp).
Evacuations: No evacuation orders are in place. Smoke from the East Fork Fire, Apoon Pass Fire, and fires in southwest Alaska could impact air quality. Keep appraised of fires in the area and air quality at: https://fire.airnow.gov/
Weather: Expect isolated thunderstorms and scattered showers as the slow-moving low-pressure system moves through. Cloudy skies will clear as the low pressure moves out on Sunday. Winds this evening will be from the northeast, switching to southwesterly winds on Sunday into next week.
