Single Publication

On Sunday evening, the Teklanika River Fire was reported to be 5,444 acres; the Birch Creek Fire was estimated at 1,167 acres; the Nenana River Fire was 0.2 acres; the Nenana River 2 Fire was 0.1 acres; and the Kobe Road Fire was 0.1 acres. The more accurate acreage for the Kobe Road Fire is the result of improved visibility, reconnaissance flights, and ground assessments conducted Sunday.

The five fires collectively make up the Anderson Complex. Great Basin Team 3 assumed command of the Anderson Complex at 8 a.m. Monday. The team has divided the complex into two branches to better manage the work being done by firefighters and the use of equipment. Branch 1 encompasses the northern half of the complex and includes areas impacted by the Teklanika River Fire (#257) and the city of Anderson. Branch 2 encompasses the southern half of the complex and includes areas impacted by the Birch Creek Fire (#285), Kobe Road Fire (#297), Nenana River Fire (#288), and the Nenana River 2 Fire (#289).

In Branch 1, the Midnight Sun Hotshots are continuing structure protection for cabins and allotments along the Teklanika River. The Suns will be joined today by the Lassen Hotshots. Both crews will continue to protect structures along the Teklanika. Members of the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) Task Force are building or opening up previously constructed fuel breaks around the city of Anderson. This is a precautionary measure to protect the community from the fire should it move in that direction. In Branch 2, the Shasta Lake Hotshots will work with two engines and two skidgens, which are tracked vehicles, to protect structures north of the Birch Creek Fire.

The members of this group will also focus today on putting out the Kobe Road Fire. Crews have also been tasked with conducting structure assessments in the Anderson subdivision, also known as the North Forties, to develop a plan for protecting them from fire if needed. Fire personnel are also evaluating ways to protect structures along the George Parks Highway and the Nenana River. Fire activity has moderated over the past few days due to cooler, wetter weather. Crews are working to take advantage of this before hot, dry weather moves into the area mid-week.

EVACUATION STATUS: The Teklanika River and all residents within 2.5 miles of the Teklanika River, and all residents adjacent to Rose Hip Creek 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 city of Anderson and all residents that use any road west of the George Parks Highway between milepost 270 and the Rex Bridge remain in Evacuation Status SET. Individuals in this area should be ready in a moment’s notice. Visit the Denali Borough website for additional information.

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