Aug. 09, 2009 Crazy Mountain Complex News Release
Incident: Crazy Mountain Complex Wildfire
Released: 8/9/2009
AUGUST 9, 2009 Hand Crews 12, Dozers 5, Engines 6, Helicopters 3, Water Tenders 1, Total Personnel 372. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flew Bluff Creek and Jagged Ridge for the last time 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. Aerial resources flew yesterday as a result of improved conditions. Weather: A strong cold front moving across the incident this morning will bring scattered showers, gusty northwest winds and colder temperatures. Its passage will also bring a marked improvement in visibility. Expect continued chilly temperatures through early this week with a bit of moderation mid to late week. A few light showers are possible tonight and Monday with a few snow showers possible at elevations above 2500 feet tonight into Tuesday. 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. Direct line was cut going west of Steese Highway MP 159. Line was prepped north of Steese Highway with dozer to Birch Creek. Personnel will continue with structure protection and defense south of Circle City. Firefighters will remove snags or fallen trees from the Steese Hwy. 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. An air boat scouted out fire behavior and looked for hot spots along the perimeter near Birch Creek. Little Black Fire: Back haul was demobed and structures are being monitored. Road Conditions: An arctic cold front is predicted to move through the Steese Highway in the Bluff Creek Fire area. Of utmost concern is from the Birch Creek Bridge, at MP 147, to Circle, MP 161. This front is expected to bring colder air, showers, and strong winds. Winds associated with the arctic front are expected to be from the northwest at 10-15 miles per hour with gusts 20-25 miles per hour. Use caution in this area as crews are on the road removing snags and fallen trees. Engines will escort vehicles as fire and passing cold front dictate. Expect delays as this cold front passes and additional trees fall into the road corridor. Avoid travelling between Birch Creek Bridge and Circle during the passing of this cold front, estimated to begin in early morning and continue well into the afternoon. 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: 440,040 acres. Bluff Creek Fire: 43,540, Jagged Ridge Fire: 52,010, Little Black One Fire: 347,180, Puzzle Creek 1310 ###
