Fire containment is 30%, 3,000 acres. Throughout the day, fire behavior has been extreme with burning in juniper, grass, and rocky terrain. Additional resources continue to arrive to assist with containment of the fire.

Fire containment is 30%, 2,000 acres. Fire behavior is active with spotting. Smoke over the interstate remains a concern. Drivers are advised to use caution in the area. Additional resources are en route to assist with the fire.

Smoke from the fire may impact visibility along I-10. Drivers in the area should use caution.

Fire containment is 20%, 1,530 acres. The planned actions for today are to continue containment line construction and conduct burn outs to secure the line. Fire behavior is very active.

Fire containment is 10%, estimated 700 acres. Fire behavior is very active, burning in juniper and grass. Fire crews will construct containment line where possible and focus on keeping the fire South of Interstate 10.

The presence of bears near a wildland fire in Alaska is nothing new to the firefighting community, but the use of professionally trained Karelian bear dogs was a first, nationwide, on the Isom Creek Fire (#187), located south of the Yukon River and along the Dalton Highway, during June, 2020. Safety personnel piloted the use of the Karelian bear dogs and their handler as a means to mitigate bear intrusions into fire camps and other areas and it proved to be a successful tactic for mitigating human-bear conflict. 
 

While standards, such as keeping a clean camp, are critical to keeping bears away, there are always those curious animals that come around despite best practices. Over the years, firefighters have resorted to many creative ways to keep bears out of camp and away from people, such as leaving a radio on in camp even once a crew is on the fireline so that the chatter deters curious visitors. The Isom Creek Fire has demonstrated the value that Karelian bear dogs have in a wildland fire situation to further be proactive in keeping an area free of bears and, as a result, discourage a bear from becoming a nuisance. 
 

Nils Pedersen, born and raised in Fairbanks, began working with the Wind River Bear Institute (WRBI) in Florence, Montana, in 2011 as the trainer and handler of Soledad to address human-bear conflict issues. Pedersen now serves as the Director of the WRBI from Fairbanks and he and his Karelian Bear dogs, Soledad and Rio, just completed their very first wildland fire assignment. 
 

To perform their firefighting duties, these canine resources were walked on a leash or would ride in a truck to patrol for the scent of a bear.  Once they caught the familiar scent, the dogs would bark - a bark that would become stronger with the intensity of the scent they were following.  Pedersen would conduct multiple passes when the dogs identified a new scent so that he could determine if a bear might be in a location that would require it to be pushed out and away from the area. One of their primary duties was to do a sweep around a spike camp in the early morning before people were awake and moving about in order to prevent surprise encounters. If a bear was in the vicinity, Pedersen, Soledad and Rio would take action to shepherd it away.  
 

Depending on the weather conditions, Karelian bear dogs can pick up a scent from about half a mile away and have been known to sniff out a bear from a vehicle moving 60 mph. These dogs have demonstrated the ability to stay in pursuit of a bear for 26 kilometers.  When the dogs indicated interest in an area, Pedersen would circle back to that spot several minutes later, doing passes over time, to determine if the scent was becoming stronger if the bear wasn’t already visible. Depending on the dog’s response, Pedersen, Soledad and Rio would then track the bear and the dogs would shepherd it in a direction most advantageous to both bear and people.  
 

According to Pedersen, the WRBI Karelian bear dogs are carefully selected as pups to determine which ones have the strongest natural instincts, in addition to the willingness to be trained. The puppies that show the best working aptitude are placed in the training pool for Wildlife K-9 (WK-9) certification. It can take as much as four years for a Karelian bear dog to become a fully trained WK-9. Training and field test requirements include: range commands, tracking, scent detection, conflict, firearms, strike, recall and K-9 Good Citizen training. The WK-9s are worked in pairs to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the handler/WK-9 team. Since 1996, the WRBI has worked to provide non-lethal solutions to human-bear conflict issues. Their mission is to reduce human-caused bear mortality and human-wildlife conflict worldwide. WRBI places dogs with wildlife officers and biologists that are working for state and federal agencies to establish WK-9 programs. So far, there are programs in Washington, Montana, Alaska, Canada and Japan. 
 

Beyond the work that Soledad and Rio perform, Pedersen also serves as an integral part of the operation. The dogs are never used apart from the handler, who is often a wildlife biologist or wildlife officer. Pedersen serves as the director of the WRBI, holds a masters degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation, and is a specialist in human-bear conflict.  Pedersen was a very knowledgeable resource to have on the Isom Creek Fire in regard to bear behavior and attractant management. Through his education, work and experience, he is well versed in a range of bear deterrent mechanisms and campsite selection. Pedersen was able to educate personnel on how to set up camp in a way this is naturally less attractive to bears (rather than those areas that are in bear-loving vegetation and along game trails, etc.) He has a wealth of knowledge in bear behavior, family units, aversive conditioning and many other topics. Pair the handler with the dogs and you have the ultimate team. 
 

While this concept of using Karelian bear dogs on a wildland fire incident is new, the concept is a natural fit. The Isom Creek Fire demonstrated the expanding opportunities that this strategy might provide in safety for not only the fire community, but also the bears themselves. It was also an exciting ride for Pedersen, Soledad and Rio as the dogs took their first ever helicopter ride to be shuttled to spike camps and remote locations around the fire to be available where needed. These dogs have incredible discipline and are highly trained, in partnership with their handlers. Together, they live for this type of work and while they may not carry K-9 red cards yet, the success of this assignment very much proved the value of integrating them into the operation.  

(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) – Incident command for the Isom Creek Fire #187 will transfer to a local Type 3 organization early on Monday, June 22. The incoming and outgoing teams are working together to transfer information to efficiently conduct the remaining containment and suppression efforts. Several firefighter crews are being reassigned to other incidents or returning to their home units for rest. Five crews remain on the fire, supported by engines and air support. Native allotments and structures in the river corridor are secured and mopped up. 
 

The fire has had minimal activity in recent days with the cool, wet weather. Conditions prohibit burnout operations until warm, dry weather returns. Until burnout is completed or a more direct line is developed and secured, the eastern edge of the fire will remain a threat for potential spread. Firefighters continue to search for hot spots and initiate suppression repair efforts. 
 

The recent weather pattern has brought several surprising challenges to firefighters. A dense fog settled in the Yukon River valley yesterday morning and persisted until about 1:00 pm, on the summer solstice. There was a breeze on the fire, which was expected to mix the air and decrease moisture. Instead, the breeze moved the moist air upslope and cooled it to the dewpoint. Droplets formed in the chilly air, forming a dense fog, with water droplets clinging to trees. Very gradual warming and drying is anticipated in the next few days. 
 

The Dalton Highway remains open to travel, with traffic control as needed for smoke conditions or in support of firefighting efforts. The Five Mile Campground near the Yukon Bridge on the Dalton Highway remains closed to public access; it is reserved for crews fighting the Isom Creek Fire. The Yukon River Camp north of the Yukon River Bridge at milepost 56 is open for food, fuel and lodging. 
 

The fire reached the Trans-Alaska Pipeline; however, it is not damaged as it was designed to withstand wildfires. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire and some of the surrounding area to provide a safe operating environment for firefighting aircraft. Go to https://tfr.faa.gov for more information on the TFR. 

 Public Information: (907) 356-5970Email: 2020.IsomCreek@firenet.gov 
 www.akfireinfo.com ♦ inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6758 ♦ www.facebook.com/BLMAFS/ 

(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) – Wet conditions persist, limiting activity on the Isom Creek Fire #187. Hotshots and hand crews are ready to conduct burnout operations but favorable burning conditions are not likely in the next several days. Six crews remain on the fire, in addition to engines and air support. Efforts are focused on keeping the active fire front in check and mop up along the rest of the perimeter. The Alaska Interagency Incident Management Team is planning to transition command to a local Type 3 organization on Monday, June 22. Operations will be based at the BLM Five Mile Campground north of the Yukon River. 
 

Native allotments and structures in the river corridor are secured and mopped up. Until burnout operations are completed or a more direct line is developed and secured, the eastern edge of the fire will remain a threat for potential spread when warm, dry weather returns. Fire managers are determining how much heat remains in the fire edge, with cool, damp weather over the area. 
 

The Dalton Highway remains open to travel, with traffic control as needed for smoke conditions or in support of firefighting efforts. The Five Mile Campground near the Yukon Bridge on the Dalton Highway remains closed to public access; it is reserved for crews fighting the Isom Creek Fire. The Yukon River Camp north of the Yukon River Bridge at milepost 56 is open for food, fuel and lodging. 
 

The fire reached the Trans-Alaska Pipeline; however, it is not damaged as it was designed to withstand wildfires. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire and some of the surrounding area to provide a safe operating environment for firefighting aircraft. Go to https://tfr.faa.gov for more information on the TFR. 

Public Information: (907) 356-5970  Email: 2020.IsomCreek@firenet.gov 

www.akfireinfo.com ♦ inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6758 ♦ www.facebook.com/BLMAFS/ 

(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) – The Isom Creek Fire (#187) is expected to be less active today as cool, rainy weather moves into the area. Crews are ready to conduct burnout operations, but they will have to wait for dry conditions to return. Firefighters will likely continue mop up on the perimeter through the weekend. Several crews were released from the fire for redeployment to other incidents; seven crews remain, in addition to engines and air support.  

Five crews are working on the east side of the fire finished cutting the indirect fireline, between the Yukon River and a high ridge near milepost 46 on the Dalton Highway. Today, they aim to keep the active fire front in check and continue to improve the perimeter line. The west side of the fire has little activity and the perimeter line is secured by seeking and extinguishing all hot spots to a width of 300 feet. Native allotments and structures in the river corridor are secured and mopped up. 
 

The Zigzag Hotshots recently joined La Grande Hotshots on the southeast side of the fire. Both crews are from the U.S. Forest Service, based in Oregon. While waiting for an opportunity to complete the burnout, they are reinforcing the containment line and continuing mop up to keep the fire north and east of the Dalton Highway. Unless burnout operations are completed or a more direct line is developed and secured, the eastern edge of the fire will remain a threat for potential spread when warm, dry weather returns. Fire managers are determining how much heat remains in the fire edge, with cool, damp weather over the area. 

The Dalton Highway remains open to travel, with traffic control as needed for smoke conditions or in support of firefighting efforts. Drivers need to use extreme caution between mileposts 34-62 by driving slowly with headlights on. Be prepared for low visibility, firefighting personnel and equipment along the roadway. Do not stop on the highway. Please use turnouts outside of mileposts 34-62. 
 

The Five Mile Campground near the Yukon Bridge on the Dalton Highway remains closed to public access; it is reserved for crews fighting the Isom Creek Fire. The Yukon River Camp north of the Yukon River Bridge at milepost 56 is open for food, fuel and lodging. 

The fire reached the Trans-Alaska Pipeline; however, it is not damaged as it was designed to withstand wildfires. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire and some of the surrounding area to provide a safe operating environment for firefighting aircraft. Go to https://tfr.faa.gov for more information on the TFR. 

 
Public Information: (907) 356-5970
Email: 2020.IsomCreek@firenet.gov 
 www.akfireinfo.com ♦ inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6758 ♦ www.facebook.com/BLMAFS/ 

(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) – Additional smoke may be spotted rising from the Isom Creek Fire (#187) later today as temperatures warm and kick up fire activity. Firefighters are waiting for the right conditions to conduct burnout operations on the south and east sides of the fire. This carefully planned operation will eliminate patches of unburned vegetation between the main fire and a constructed fire line will further containment efforts. It also reduces the potential for reignition by wind gusts and spotting outside the fireline.

Fire crews continue improving containment lines. This is important, slow, dirty work, searching for hot spots in the ash of the burned areas to reduce potential for the fire to spread. The Type 2 SES Fire contract crew, with firefighters from Hughes, Huslia and Allakaket, is covering the western perimeter. Another BLM Alaska Fire Service Type 2 contract crew, the Capstone Crew with firefighters from the Minto and Tanana area, made progress on the southern border north of the Dalton Highway. The Type 2 Initial Attack Tanana Chiefs Crew is working on the southeast line near milepost 46 on the Dalton Highway.

Karelian bear dogs and their handlers continue to aid firefighters camping near their assigned work sites on the south and east sides of the fire. The dogs had their first helicopter trip to a spike camp Wednesday where curious bears were intruding. These wildlife service dogs are encouraging bears to stay away from people and critical supplies, reducing human-wildlife conflicts. Bears continue to roam free, and firefighters are concentrating on suppression efforts.

The Dalton Highway remains open to travel, with traffic control as needed for smoke conditions or in support of firefighting efforts. Drivers need to use extreme caution between mileposts 34-62 by driving slowly with headlights on. Be prepared for low visibility, firefighting personnel and equipment along the roadway. Do not stop on the highway. Please use turnouts outside of mileposts 34-62.

The Five Mile Campground near the Yukon Bridge on the Dalton Highway remains closed to public access; it is reserved for crews fighting the Isom Creek Fire. The Yukon River Camp north of the Yukon River Bridge at milepost 56 is open for food, fuel and lodging.

The fire reached the Trans-Alaska Pipeline; however, it is not damaged as it was designed to withstand wildfires. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire and some of the surrounding area to provide a safe operating environment for firefighting aircraft. Go to https://tfr.faa.gov for more information on the TFR.

Public Information: (907) 356-5970 Email: 2020.IsomCreek@firenet.gov www.akfireinfo.com ♦ inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6758 ♦ www.facebook.com/BLMAFS/ 

FAIRBANKS, Alaska) – Firefighters continue to gain ground, closing the gap in the western containment line and constructing line on other parts of the Isom Creek Fire (#187). The La Grande Hotshots (U.S. Forest Service, Oregon) are joining crews today cutting line on the rugged south and east perimeter. There are nine hand crews working on the fire; some are conducting a methodical search for hotspots within the burned area. Pockets of fuel are actively burning within the perimeter, generating smoke as temperatures and winds increase in the afternoon. 
 

Cool overnight temperatures with high humidity have slowed fire progress, but also make conditions unfavorable for burnout operations. Eliminating patches of unburned vegetation is important to reduce potential for reignition by wind gusts and spotting outside the fireline. As summer solstice approaches, the prolonged sunlight and warm temperatures typically dry vegetation throughout Interior Alaska, creating conditions for easy ignition. 
 

Crews are using Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) for fireline construction within the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. These tactics recognize the potential environmental, cultural, and social long-term impacts of suppression, deploying the minimum tools necessary to effectively achieve fire management and resource management objectives. Hand line construction techniques are implemented, with no use of mechanized equipment. Cutting trees and snags is minimized, unless they threaten the fireline or pose hazards for crews. Refuge managers granted approval to use a water-enhancing fire suppression additive and/or retardant to support the east-side operations if activity increases again. 
 

The Dalton Highway remains open to travel, with traffic control as needed for smoke conditions or in support of firefighting efforts. Drivers need to use extreme caution between mileposts 34-62 by driving slowly with headlights on. Be prepared for low visibility, firefighting personnel and equipment along the roadway. Do not stop on the highway. Please use turnouts outside of mileposts 34-62. 
 

The Yukon River Camp north of the Yukon River Bridge at milepost 56 is open for food, fuel and lodging. The fire reached the Trans-Alaska Pipeline; however, it is not damaged as it was designed to withstand wildfires. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire and some of the surrounding area to provide a safe operating environment for firefighting aircraft. Go to https://tfr.faa.gov for more information on the TFR. 
 
 Public Information: (907) 356-5970Email: 2020.IsomCreek@firenet.gov 

www.akfireinfo.com ♦ inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6758 ♦ www.facebook.com/BLMAFS/