Caribou Lake Fire Update - August 26, 2019

Caribou Lake Fire Map - August 26, 2019

On Sunday, crews continued to hold and improve existing control lines on the Caribou Lake Fire. Additional firefighters and supplies were transported to the fire by helicopter. An increase in cloud cover and relative humidity helped to reduce fire behavior in the afternoon. The fire remains 900 acres in size and 20 percent contained. Fire operations on this fire is a full suppression strategy.

With the additional crews that arrived on the Caribou Lake Fire, fire managers expect to see the containment of the fire increase. There are currently 79 firefighters working to contain the fire with the goal of 100 percent containment. Although, the fire activity has been limited, firefighters continue to address fire along the perimeter’s edge with some occasional spot fires across the fire’s edge. A wind shift on Monday could increase fire activity on the south flanks of the fire, although minimal fire growth is expected over the next several days as the predicted cloud cover will help to moderate fire activity. Helicopters and firefighters will be using a portion of the gravel pit parking area on Basargin Road as a helispot in support of the Caribou Lake Fire. Fire officials are asking people to avoid parking in the area near the helispot for the safety of the firefighters and public.

Weather: Cloud cover increased on Sunday afternoon, and is likely to persist through Monday night. Wind direction will shift back toward the north; however, winds are forecast to remain calm for the next several days. Temperatures will remain in the mid-60s for the early part of the week. A slight chance for a light and isolated showers continue to be possible, but wetting rains are unlikely.

Sterling Highway: Expect delays on the Sterling Highway from MP 53 to MP 71 due to fire activity and smoke impacts. Drive with headlights on and yield to fire vehicles and first responders. Travel is not advised on Monday (08/26/19). For the latest road conditions, visit 511.alaska.gov.

Evacuations and Closures: None

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is in place for air space over the Caribou Lake Fire (9/7506 NOTAM). The TFR includes unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, as well. Flying drones near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters as a result of a mid-air collision with tactical firefighting aircraft.