Date: July 29, 2009
Contact: Chakina Fire Information, (907) 529-0511
Contact: Tina Boehle, (907) 644-3414
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McCarthy, Alaska— A day after Monday’s burnout, smoke filled the skies of the McCarthy-Kennecott area. Engine crews and hotshot personnel along with the Strelna and McCarthy Volunteer Fire Departments finished structure assessment activities in the developed areas along the McCarthy road. Helicopters were used to monitor areas along the Chitina River which had previously been burned the day before.
The fire perimeter grew slightly. Areas within the fire perimeter continued to burn together.
Today, most crews will be released from the fire, leaving a small contingent to monitor fire activity. Remaining personnel will focus on mapping the fire perimeter, monitoring the fire, and checking for spotting across the Chitina River. Monitoring will continue until significant moisture is received on the fire.
Fire behavior continues to create a mosaic of burn severity across the fire area. These conditions will contribute to 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. The fire will continue to produce smoke over the fire area impacting local residents as internal areas continue to burn.
- Total Acres: 47,365
- Crews: 0
- Engines: 2
- Helicopters: 1
- Total Personnel: 33
The road from Chitina to McCarthy is open. Drive with headlights on and anticipate areas of heavy smoke and low visibility. Pilots should check NOTAMs and Temporary Flight Restrictions. They should also be aware of fire-related helicopter and fixed-wing traffic and 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.
