Date: July 24, 2009
Contact: Fire Information Office, 907-529-0511
Contact: Tina Boehle, 907-644-3414
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McCarthy, Alaska—Weather and winds were favorable Thursday afternoon and 3,500 acres were intentionally burned in an aerial firing operation on the Chakina Fire. A specially trained helicopter crew conducted the operations south of the Chitina River from the Nazina River confluence upstream to the confluence of the Chakina River. The burn will remove pockets of fuel between the south bank of the Chitina River and the fire perimeter to reduce potential spotting and fire intensity. Over the next few days, the areas ignited will burn together and create a solid buffer to prevent the fire from jumping the Chitina River. The Augusta Hotshot crew remains staged along the river to patrol and monitor the area near the burnout operation.
With the exception of areas targeted by the aerial burnout operation, fire activity was moderate with little spread. The fire perimeter is not expected to grow significantly unless the weather turns hot and dry and fire activity increases.
A strike team of engines worked with local volunteer fire departments and completed most of the structural assessments in developed areas along the road from McCarthy to Crystal Creek. They continue to work with local residents to help property owners create defensible space around their homes and other structures. The road to McCarthy remains open, but travelers should use caution and watch for fire equipment and crews working between miles 34 to 60.
Smoldering and creeping fire behavior continues to create a mosaic of burn severity across the fire area. These conditions will contribute to having a range of fire effects that improve regeneration of forage for wildlife while maintaining vertical cover. This mosaic will also aid in reducing the severity of future fires. Firefighters warn that even though the fire behavior has moderated somewhat, there is still potential for warmer, drier weather to increase fire activity to a level of concern.
- Total Acres: 32,000
- Crews: 2 Type 1
- Engines: 4
- Helicopters: 3
- Total Personnel: 89
Weather conditions vary based on local wind patterns and fire activity. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation website serves as a resource for air quality information and how you can protect yourself from smoke: www.dec.state.ak.us/air/am/smoke.htm
The road from Chitina to McCarthy is open. Drive with headlights on and exhibit caution as you may encounter areas of heavy smoke and low visibility. Pilots should check NOTAMs and Temporary Flight Restrictions. For those who fly in the vicinity, be aware of fire related helicopter and fixed-wing traffic and the possibility of sudden decreased visibility. The local victor frequency is 122.9.
For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/wrst/parkmgmt/firemanagement.htm, email, or contact the local Fire Information Office at (907) 529-0511 or Tina Boehle, NPS contact in Anchorage for interviews: (907) 644-3414.
