The Joint Information Center will no longer be staffed as of 6:00 p.m. tonight.

Final Daily Update on Major Alaska Fires 2004

The staff of the Joint Information Center extends their thanks to all firefighters, agency personnel, media and members of the public who have been so helpful in assisting us in telling "the fire story" during this historic Alaska fire season.

Total Acres Burned To Date: 6,385,496
Total Fires Year to Date Statewide: 655
Fires Currently Active: 85
Staffed Fires: 11

The largest fire season in Alaska's rich history is finally drawing to a close due to colder, wetter weather and intense firefighter efforts. Now the focus lies in the demobilization of personnel and equipment as well as rehabilitation of control lines.

The goal of rehabilitation is to stabilize the control lines that were constructed by firefighters in order to limit a fire's growth. There are two major forms of rehabilitation in Alaska. The first is basically accomplished by replacing the mat of ground cover that was peeled back by dozer work and/or hand-lines. This is important because often dozer lines expose a layer of permafrost. Once this layer melts, the land may not recover and the land would be scarred for many years. The second form is to establish water control on steep slopes. This is crucial in preventing soil erosion and stream sedimentation.

The Taylor Complex of fires near Tok stands at 1,305,252 acres. Two hundred ninety five personnel remain assigned. Work continues on dozer line rehabilitation, aerial monitoring and engine patrol in residential areas.

The Camp Creek fire is currently at 175,315 acres and has 220 firefighters still on scene. Crews are strengthening line and mopping up. Rehabilitation has begun on cold sections of the fire.

The Boundary and Tors Fires near Chena Hot Springs Resort will continue to be monitored and the roadways patrolled. Fire perimeters will be checked regularly using aircraft.

The Evansville Fire near Bettles has 24 personnel primarily working on mop-up and removing equipment. The fire will continue to be monitored.

Caution to hunters and others venturing into burned areas: When traveling in charred areas, be alert to the many dangers. Trees, including those that still appear green and alive may actually have root systems that have been burned-out. Burned trees, called snags, are particularly likely to fall. Even without wind, these trees may suddenly topple and fall. On windy days, recently burned places are never a good choice for travels.

Hikers and hunters should also be on the lookout for ash pits, where organic material may have burned out underground. Ash pits often appear to just be level ground, but have a burned out ash-filled section a foot or more deep. More importantly, ash pits often contain hot coals that can seriously injure those who step in them.

For fire-related questions or concerns, please use the following numbers:

Taylor Complex Fire
State of Alaska Division of Forestry-Tok Area
Before 9/11/04 - 907-883-6874 After 9/11/04 - 907-883-5134

Camp Creek Fire
State of Alaska Division of Forestry-Delta Area
Before 9/11/04 - 907-895-2061 After 9/11/04 - 907-895-4225

Boundary/Tors Fire
State of Alaska Division of Forestry-Fairbanks Area - 907-451-2623

State of Alaska Division of Forestry-Logistic Center - 907-451-2680

State of Alaska, Division of Forestry
Northern Regional Office - 907-451-2660

State of Alaska, Division of Forestry
Coastal Regional Office - 907-761-6238

Bureau of Land Management, Alaska Fire Service - 907-356-5673

There are no fire-related closures of roads, trails or other public facilities at this time.