Date: July 25, 2009
Contact: Fire Information Office, (907) 529-0511
Contact: Tina Boehle, (907) 644-3414
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McCarthy, Alaska—Fire activity was low yesterday due to cool, moist weather. The Augusta Hotshot crew patrolled and monitored areas along the Chitina River targeted by Thursday’s aerial firing operations. The ignited fires continue burning together creating a solid buffer preventing the fire from jumping the Chitina 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.
The fire perimeter is not expected to grow significantly unless the weather turns hot and dry and fire activity increases. Helicopter crews will conduct an aerial reconnaissance of the fire to map the perimeter and assess current and projected fire behavior. Burnout operations will be conducted if conditions are favorable.
A strike team of engines continuedto work with local volunteer fire departments and conduct structural assessments in developed areas along the road from McCarthy to Crystal Creek, particularly in the Westside and Southside areas. They will assist interested property owners to 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: 31,327
- Crews: 2 Type 1
- Engines: 3
- Helicopters: 2
- Total Personnel: 85
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.
