Aug. 08, 2009 Crazy Mountain Complex
Incident: Crazy Mountain Complex Wildfire
Released: 8/8/2009
AUGUST 8, 2009 Crazy Mountain Complex Resources:
Hand Crews 13 Dozers 3 Engines 6 Helicopters 3 Water Tenders 1 Overhead Personnel 90 Total Personnel: 364
Aerial resources flew for the first time in five days. Repeater repair was successful as a result of improved flying condition. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle flew Bluff Creek and Jagged Ridge this morning collecting thermal images to monitor fire activity. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the Bluff Creek and Jagged Ridge Fires. Pilots are advised to check NOTAMS for complete information about TFR's. An air boat has launched at Birch Creek Bridge and is scouting the Jagged Ridge Fire.
Weather: Expect a slow improvement in visibility during the day as fog thins and smoke slowly dissipates. A weak ridge of high pressure across the area will provide mainly light west winds today. A strong cold front will approach the incident early Sunday and will push across the area in the morning. Scattered showers are expected with this weather system. An abrupt shift to a gusty northwest wind will occur as the front passes. Cool and drier air will arrive early next week followed by a slight moderation in temperature mid week.
Bluff Creek Fire: The priority remains to secure line east and west of the Steese Hwy to reduce the opportunity for the fire to progress further north along the Steese towards Circle. Personnel will continue with structure protection and defense south of Circle City. Firefighters will continue to remove snags or fallen trees from the Steese Hwy. Engines will escort vehicles when fire behavior dictates in an effort to maintain the Steese Highway open to traffic. Jagged Ridge Fire: The fire remains east of Birch Creek. The fire team is prepared to initiate contingency actions for structure protection near Circle Hot Springs.
Little Black One: Crews demobed from the fire. Structure protection supplies remain in place.
Puzzle Gulch Fire: The Puzzle Gulch acres remain at 1310.
Road Conditions: Firefighters and firefighting equipment are located on the Steese Highway from the bridge at Mile 147 to Circle City. There is active fire from Milepost 147 to Milepost 158. There are numerous burned trees along the Steese Highway that have fallen and there may be temporary traffic delays. Drivers are urged to use caution as dust and smoke is limiting visibility. Drive slowly with headlights on and do not stop in areas where the fire is encroaching on the road.
For current Alaska wildfire updates, please visit Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org. Additional information can be found at the AICC website at http://fire.ak.blm.gov. Total Acreage of Crazy Mountain Complex: 440,940 acres Bluff Creek Fire: 43,540 Jagged Ridge Fire: 49,450 Little Black One Fire: 347,180 Puzzle Creek 1310.
