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Smoky conditions helped to dampen fire activity yesterday and will likely moderate fire conditions again today. The Red Flag Warning is still in effect over the northern portion of the fire area due to the possibility of dry thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected in the low 80s with relative humidity increasing into the 30s. Erratic winds could come with a dry thunderstorm, otherwise winds will remain light and variable out of the west to southwest.

To the north, crews successfully contained fire that crossed the established line and Teklanika River. Firefighters will now “mop up” the area. This involves extinguishing hot spots and residual heat to prevent further fire spread beyond established containment lines. Crews are placing hose lays around this area and nearby structures, as well.  On the southeast side of the fire, crews are conducting strategic burn out operations, as weather conditions permit.  Further south, firefighters are preparing other sections of line for additional strategic burn out operations. Firefighters continue to work on structure protection and dozer line around the town of Anderson. 

Aircraft are actively supporting suppression efforts on the Clear Fire and are also being utilized to transport personnel and supplies to more remote areas of the fire. Many firefighters and fire line paramedics are spiked in these remote areas. Spiking refers to sleeping in a safe location near the work area rather than returning to base camp at the end of the day. This is often utilized when transport time to and from the work area is extensive. At times, firefighters will spike for 14 to 21 days. Needed food and supplies are delivered by helicopter or boat.

Over 20 people attended the second community meeting at the Anderson Fire Hall in person yesterday with about 100 attendees watching virtually to discuss latest updates to the fire. Further community meetings will be scheduled as the need arises.

Fire danger is extremely high this Fourth of July weekend.   Alaska’s Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) issued an Emergency Burn Closure Order as of July 1. This order restricts all burning at the state and local level that requires a burn permit. For more information go to: akfireinfo.com. In addition, Alaska State Fire Marshal's Office has suspended use of fireworks across much of Alaska. For more information, visit: dps.alaska.gov 

Ready (Prepare your property):  All areas including the City of Anderson, Clear, Clear Space Force Station, Bear Creek and June Creek. 
Set (Prepare your “go bag”):  All cabins along the Teklanika River between two and five miles of the current fire perimeter. 
GO (Evacuate now) :  All areas accessed by Kobe Road. All cabins along the Teklanika River within two miles of the current fire perimeter.

Sheltering or evacuation-related information: Contact the Denali Borough at (907) 683-1330, see the Borough’s Facebook page or visit denaliborough.org  All other fire information: Clear Fire Information, (907) 290-2921; Alaska Fire Information, (907) 356-5511; akfireinfo.com, inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8178, and on the Alaska Division of Forestry and BLM Alaska Fire Service Facebook pages.