Hard Luck Creek Fire Update August 9
Incident: Hard Luck Creek Fire Wildfire
Released: 8/9/2009
Improved weather conditions on Saturday allowed firefighters to fly the fire with helicopters and develop a more precise map of the fire's perimeter. As a result of this improved mapping, the fire's size is estimated to be 13,213 acres. Two fingers of the fire have crossed the ridge between Hard Luck Creek and Shovel Creek, extending to the bottom of Shovel Creek. This reflects better knowledge of where the edge of the fire actually is rather than any fire growth. The fire has not grown significantly since the rains began last Thursday.
On Saturday, work continued on the fireline down the ridge between Hard Luck Creek and Shovel Creek. The dozer line now extends about 3 miles down the ridge, and hand crews have also begun building line up the ridge from the bottom. Work also continued on mopping up the three spots that crossed the 14-mile Trail, as well as on structure protection along the Chatanika River.
Today, work will continue on the fireline, including determining the best approach for containing the fingers that run into Shovel Creek. Mop-up of the spots across 14-mile Trail should be finished today, as well as structure protection work. Crews will continue securing the perimeter in the following priority areas: Shovel Creek, 14-mile Trail (Bennett Highway) and the northwestern flank across the Chatanika River. While the wet weather has slowed the fire's movement, it is also slowing the firefighters' work somewhat this morning. Firefighter safety is affected by poor footing, slick roads, and trees with burned root systems falling down in the winds predicted for today as a cold front passes. Clearing weather and improved firefighting conditions are expected this afternoon.
Resources assigned to the fire today are a total of 387 personnel including twelve 20-person crews, 2 helicopters, 3 engines, and 5 dozers.
Community Information Meeting: Another community fire information meeting will be held Monday, August 10 at 6:00 pm at the Ken Kunckle Center at the Lion's Park on Goldstream Road. Fire officials will explain current activities and answer questions about the fire.
Closures and restrictions: Although the 14-mile Trail is not closed, the public is strongly discouraged from using the road due to low visibility and large amounts of firefighting personnel and equipment on the road. The restriction on firewood cutting on State lands has now been lifted. The restriction on open fires in designated Game Management Units has also been lifted.
