Chisana River 2 Wildfire Makes 8300 Acre Run, Grows onto the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge

Date: June 11, 2015
Contact: Eric Veach, [phone]

Copper Center, AK –

The Chisana River 2 wildfire, burning 25 miles West of Beaver Creek, Yukon Canada burned north and west yesterday, onto the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge.  The lightning caused fire that was sparked June 9 is now 8324 acres, a growth of 8309 acres overnight.

Yesterday, five firefighters, with the support of a small helicopter, began work to protect a Tetlin Refuge administrative cabin located seven miles from the fire.  By the weekend, fire management staff may assign a helicopter and firefighters to support limited suppression action to protect structures.

When structure protection is in place, the fire will be allowed to run its natural course and will continue to be monitored by air to document fire behavior and to map the fire’s growth.  It is expected this fire will burn until wetting rain significantly changes the conditions.  Smoke will be visible from the Beaver Creek area.

While the weather is forecasted to be wetter and colder through the week, by Saturday, conditions will become hot and dry, which may promote fire growth.

In the boreal forests of Alaska, fire is a recurring, significant and natural process in the boreal ecosystem of Interior Alaska.  It restores ecosystem health and helps to maintain species diversity in the forest.
For statewide wildfire information, visit: http://akfireinfo.com/.