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Denali Borough announces evacuation status changes

The Denali Borough issued an Evacuation Status update last night for the Anderson Complex. Rose Hip Creek and Clear Sky Homestead were moved to evacuation status READY. Individuals in this area should remain ready for possible evacuation.

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.

All other residents, including those in the City of Anderson, North Forties and Kobe Ag subdivisions are released from Evacuation Status. Residents in this area should remain alert and informed.

Visit the Denali Borough website for additional information.

FIRE UPDATE: Firefighters used about 15 miles of hose to protect structures, allotments and critical infrastructure from the fires that make up the Anderson Complex. Now they are removing the hoses, pumps, sprinklers and other equipment from areas where they are no longer needed – a process known as backhaul. The equipment will go back to the fire cache for cleaning and inspection to determine if it can be reused or needs repairs.

Firefighting equipment that is still needed to protect threatened structures is not being removed. Crews are also working to reduce any lasting impacts of fire suppression efforts. They are pulling plant or tree debris and vegetative mat back into cleared areas. Firefighters are building water bars in areas where there is not enough ground cover. The goal is to lower the likelihood of erosion. Dozer berms are also being broken down to restore pre-fire access to roads, ATV trails, snowmachine trails, and dog trails. All this work is done under the supervision of resource advisors.

The Shores Landing Fire (#325) continues to be active along the northeast edge of the perimeter. The fire still has not seen any significant growth. Firefighters created defensible space around allotments to the northeast of the fire. Yesterday they put pumps, hoses, and sprinklers in place as an additional protective measure. 

Crews in the area of the Teklanika River Fire (#257) continue to maintain pumps, hoses and sprinklers to protect any structures or allotments still threatened by fire. They are also bringing down fire-damaged trees to improve safety and extinguishing ash pits and smoldering vegetation.

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: Today’s forecast calls for mostly dry conditions with isolated showers possible. Winds are expected to increase with gusts up to 20 mph. Daytime high temperatures are expected to be in the 60s. Some fires in the Anderson Complex received significant rainfall yesterday. The rain was accompanied by nearly 100 lightning strikes. A group of firefighters assigned to the Anderson Complex are designated for response to any new fires.

CLOSURE LIFTED: The City of Anderson has reopened the shooting range. The campground and playground are open as well