Date: July 26, 2009
Contact: Fire Information Office, 907.529.0511
Contact: Tina Boehle, 907.644.3414
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McCarthy, Alaska—Fire personnel resumed hand and aerial firing operations yesterday to remove pockets of fuel between the fire perimeter and the south bank of the Chitina River. Several critical sections were intentionally burned in the Steamboat Creek area and on both sides of the Chakina River. This activity will protect homes and property on the north side of the Chitina River from potential spotting and fire intensity.
Localized winds in the Steamboat Creek area increased fire activity along the fire’s northwest flank. Aerial firing operations were used to reduce fire intensity and prevent the fire from jumping the river. The increased fire activity created heavy smoke, which may persist along the McCarthy Road corridor. The road to McCarthy remains open, but travelers should anticipate areas of reduced visibility and use caution.
With the return of cool, wet weather, today’s efforts will focus on monitoring the effects of yesterday’s firing activities and mapping the fire perimeter. A strike team of engines and local volunteer fire department personnel will continue to do structural assessments on residences between McCarthy and Crystal Creek to help interested property owners create defensible space around their homes and other structures.
Smoldering and creeping 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.
• Total Acres: 35,000
• Crews: 1 Type 1
• Engines: 4
• Helicopters: 2
• Total Personnel: 70
Weather conditions vary based on local wind patterns and fire activity. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation website provides information on air quality 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 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.
