Single Publication

June 25, 2022, Daily Update, 9:30 am

The total complex size is 528,260 acres. There are over 215 total resources assigned to the various fires, including two Type 1 Hotshot crews, one Type 2 Initial Attack Hand crew, four helicopters and various overhead.

Highlights: Continued hot and dry conditions influenced by strong winds today out of the southwest promote potential for fire growth. Firefighters are focused on finalizing structure protection measures for values at risk in multiple impacted areas. Fire activity and associated smoke is anticipated to increase throughout the day. Crews are working hard to stay ahead of any forward progression or advancing flank while posturing air resources as needed. Community members are encouraged to be aware any fire activity in the area and not to interfere with fire operations. Due to multiple water scooping aircraft scooping out of lake Illiamna, there will be a Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) in place over fires Pike Creek (#239)/Koktuli River (#240) and Upper Talarik (#205) as of this afternoon.

Weather: The hot and dry conditions will continue through the weekend. A red flag warning is in effect today from 1:00 p.m. until Sunday at 12:00 a.m. Winds will be out of the southeast today from 10-15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. These southeast winds, combined with the continued decrease in relative humidity, continue to support fire growth and increased smoke is expected. Firefighters continue to prep and secure values at risk and communities that could be impacted.

Staffed Fires in the Complex

North Group consists of the South Lime Lake Fire (#190)/Swift River Fire (#228), Pike Creek (#239)/Koktuli River (#240), Door Mountain Fire (#244), Door Creek Fire (#273) and the Hook Creek Fire (#188)

Increased fire activity and growth is expected today. Gannett Glacier Fire crew is continuing the work to prepare the village with pumps and hoses as a contingency. The rest of the supplies were received yesterday to complete the contingency line and work is expected to be completed by end of shift today. Crews are in place and postured to protect the values at risk in and around the village of Lime.

The Helitack crew and rappelers completed their work in the northeast portion of the South Lime Lake Fire (#190) to prepare the values at risk for the potential for any threat of fire. This work is expected to expand further out from the fires edge.

Pike Creek (#239)/Koktuli River (#240) ~ 148,079 combined acres, Lighting start; point protection and structure protection are ongoing. The fire remains 36 miles north of Iguigig.

The fire has been producing a visible smoke column which is expected to continue today. A fixed wing water dropping aircraft continues to be used to cool down the southern edge around the tight zig zag lines in the Mulchatna river, where fire is typically challenging to hold at that natural feature. Fire growth is anticipated so firefighters are focusing on keeping that area cool and being prepared to rapidly engage any spots that may cross the river. The Unaweep Fire Module that was assigned to Upper Talarik (#205) has been shifted over to assist with the Pike Creek (#239) and Koktuli River (#240) fires now that Upper Talarik (#205) is in monitor status.

Both an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) drone module, and helicopter remain assigned to these fires to monitor fire movement, and to act as necessary on identified known sites. 

Aghaluk Mountain (#206) ~117,209 acres, Lightning start, point protection and structure protection are ongoing. The fire remains 51 miles east of Aniak.

There was minimal growth in fire activity yesterday. Winema hotshots finished up their preparation of the area and were moved to assist with structure protection on the Stony River Fire. Additional resources were in-briefed and may be available to extend additional structure protection measures even further from the fire in case of future growth.

Unstaffed Fires

Dummy Creek Fire (#247) ~ 178 acres

Cabin Creek Fire (#193) ~ 74 acres

Gagaryah River Fire (#197) ~ 34,874 acres

Kiknik Fire (245) ~ 45,734 acres

Maka Creek Fire (#207) ~ 1 acre

Nushagak River Fire (#189) ~ 10 acres

Stony River Fire (#198) ~ 35,995 acres

Telaquana River Fire (#216) ~7,791 acres

Titnuk Creek Fire (#246) ~ 53,290 acres

Upper Talarik (#205) ~ 3,053 acres, This fire is now in monitor status. The Unaweep Fire Module that was assigned to Upper Talarik (#205) has been shifted over to assist with the Pike Creek (#239) and Koktuli River (#240) fire.

Due to the vastness of this area, many of these fires do not have Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) in place, with the exception of  Pike Creek (#239)/Koktuli River (#240) and Upper Talarik (#205). There are also NOATMs for the airports in the vicinity that aviators are asked to be mindful of. However, a significant number of aircraft including fixed wing aerial observation platforms; general logistics aircraft; helicopters moving personnel; and supplies and dropping water, will be working all throughout southwest Alaska. With the expected increase in fire activity, aircraft presence may also increase.

Lime Complex fires under the Black Team management include #188, 189, 190, 193 197, 198, 205, 206, 207, 216, 228, 239, 240, 244, 245, 246, 247 and 273. As threats increase to values at risk, updates on suppression strategy and tactics will be provided.

Public Information: Phone number: (907) 290-2699, Email 2022.limecomplex@firenet.gov Facebook: facebook.com/AK.Forestry/ Website: alaskafireinfo.com Twitter:@AKforestry