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BLM ends emergency fire closure of Lower Birch Creek Wayside near Central, Alaska

Alaska
Media Contact
BLM Office:
Eastern Interior Field Office
Photo of Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River winding through a burn.
Buckley Bar Fire #264 burning along Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River. BLM Alaska Fire Service photo.

FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Due to reduced wildland fire activity and successful suppression efforts on the Turtle Fire (#243) and other fires in the Ptarmigan Fire Complex, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Eastern Interior Field Office lifted the fire closure order that temporarily closed the Lower Birch Creek Wayside near mile 140 of the Steese Highway. The closure ended today, leaving no remaining public access closures or evacuation notices associated with the Turtle Fire or the Ptarmigan Fire Complex.

Recent cooler, wet weather has helped reduce fire activity, but visitors should remain alert as fires are still active nearby and Alaska remains in fire season. Visitors planning to float Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River should be aware of active fires near the river and increased motorboat activity associated with fire suppression and monitoring. Fire continues to creep and smolder in places with occasional isolated tree torching observed on the Birch (#256), Turtle, and Buckley Bar fires (#264).

Visitors should stay informed on fire activity for the Ptarmigan Complex and other fires at akfireinfo.com. For current BLM fire closure or fire prevention orders, check out the BLM Alaska fire restrictions webpage.

-BLM-

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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.