News Release

Two Fires, One New and One Growing, in Yukon-Charley Rivers

Aerial view of the Crescent Creek Fire #309

Alaska Fire Service

News Release Date: July 2, 2021

Contact: Kris Fister, 907-455-0641

In the past two weeks, Fire #223, the Cultas Creek Fire, has grown from 10 acres to an estimated 3,000 acres. Its smoke may be visible from the Yukon River, and the smell may be strong, depending on wind direction.

Alaska Fire Service (AFS) is monitoring the fire and tracking its growth between the Charley River and Sam Creek. The location is approximately 58 miles northwest of Eagle, and 53 miles southeast of Central.

The new fire discovered on July 1st, the Crescent Creek Fire #309, is five miles upriver of the Crescent Creek confluence with the Charley River and is estimated at 10 acres.

Both Fire #223 and #309 are in limited response areas, as identified by the preserve’s Fire Management Plan, with no nearby structures currently at risk, and are being monitored by the Alaska Fire Service. Should either fire reach predetermined trigger points, actions to protect the historic structures and identified values will be taken.

The Alaska National Park Service fire management staff are encouraging visitors to be especially cautious with their use of fire while enjoying the preserve, not only this holiday weekend, but especially during dry conditions, where wildfires can start and grow extremely quickly.

Visitors and pilots are cautioned to be aware of wildfire smoke and fire management aircraft.

Fire in Alaska’s boreal forest is an essential process that restores ecosystem health and helps maintain species diversity. The National Park Service works to balance the risks and benefits of wildland fire when making decisions on fire management.

Additional park information is available by calling the Eagle Visitor Center at [phone] or the Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center at [phone].