Lime Complex Daily Update July 12, 2022, 9:30 am
The Lime Complex consists of two staffed fires and sixteen unstaffed fires. The total size of the combined fires is 857,272 acres, and there are 157 resources assigned to the complex, an area covering 21 million acres. Each of these fires was caused by lightning. We continue to monitor unstaffed fires for growth and potential threats to identified values.
Highlights: Unstaffed fires were flown yesterday to check for activity and no concerning heat or smoke was detected. Crews on the ground remain focused on protecting structures, allotments, and the Lime Village area and continue mop up and cold trailing operations. Mopping up means to extinguish any residual fire to ensure it doesn’t spread outside of an established containment area. Crews work to break apart smoldering debris or moving burned debris so it cannot roll downhill and ignite any unburned fuels. Crews cold trail by carefully inspecting a fire edge to detect heat or any fire, digging out every live spot, and trenching any live edge. These are crucial stages in the firefighting process to ensure the fire perimeter is cooled down enough that it cannot reignite during high wind events.
Weather/Fire behavior: Yesterday was a warm afternoon with temperatures rising into the upper 60s and 70s across the region. More smoke than anticipated moved into the Lime Complex area due to increased fire activity north of the complex on Sunday night. This smoke helped limit fire activity despite the high temperatures and potential for active fire behavior. Cooler temperatures and chances for showers are anticipated today and heading into the rest of the week.
Staffed Fires in the Complex
Door Mountain Fire (#244) – 112,274 acres. The Malheur Rappel and Galice crews completed sawline around the burn out and will continue working towards mopping it up 100% to protect Lime Village. Garden Valley and Idaho Panhandle crews worked the fires eastern edge along Lime Hills and have mopped up 100 feet in from the edge. They will now reposition to the Tundra Lakes area to start protection of an allotment and remain in the area to provide added protection to Trout and Kotokbuna Lake allotments. Pike Creek (#239)/Koktuli River (#240) – 293,970 combined acres. The Grande Ronde crew continued work protecting a cabin on the north side of the fire. The Burns helitack module worked on gaining access to the Koktuli River drainage allotment cluster where they can scout and secure several allotments and by cold trailing.
The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the southern portion of the planning area near Lake Iliamna. Aerial water drops and logistical air support remain active in this area when smoke and weather allow for safe flying. Fire Boss planes are staged in McGrath and may be working out of waterways in the Iliamna and Lime Village areas. Helicopters and other aircraft providing support to firefighting resources on the ground will also be working in the area. Please avoid this airspace for public and firefighter safety. Remember—the fire area is a no-fly zone for private drones—if you fly we can’t.
Unstaffed Fires in Monitor Status
Dummy Creek Fire (#247) ~ 179 acres; Cabin Creek Fire (#193) ~ 74 acres; Gagaryah River Fire (#197) ~ 38,911 acres; Kiknik Fire (245) ~ 45,734 acres; Maka Creek Fire (#207) ~ 2 acre; Nushagak River Fire (#189) ~ 10 acres; Stony River Fire (#198) ~ 40,419 acres; Telaquana River Fire (#216) ~ 7,791 acres; Titnuk Creek Fire (#246) ~ 53,291 acres; Upper Talarik (#205) ~ 9,133 acres; South Lime Lake Fire (#190)/Swift River Fire (#228 ~ 88,502; Door Creek Fire (#273) ~ 47,678 acres; Hook Creek Fire (#188) ~ 4,275; Aghaluk Mountain (#206) ~ 115,029 Fire Information: Phone: (907) 290-2699 | Email: 2022.limecomplex@firenet.gov | Facebook: facebook.com/AK.Forestry/ | Website: akfireinfo.com | Twitter: @AKforestry