Gilahina Fire Update

Date: June 2, 2011
Contact: Mark Keogh, 907-822-7223

Copper Center, Alaska— The Gilahina Fire has burned approximately 1,438 acres. Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and subsiding winds slowed the fire behavior to smoldering and creeping with isolated areas of torching on the northeast perimeter. The fire remains north of the Gilahina River. Crews secured the southwest flank and fire activity is being closely monitored. The Gannite Glacier, Norvik Type 2 and Helitak Crews are on the fire and will remain through June 3.

The fire is burning in a limited management option where fire occurrence is essential to the long-term ecological health of the land. There are significant stands of beetle killed White Spruce and the fire is providing a great resource benefit. The fire will regenerate the ecosystem and provide excellent hunting, gathering and recreational opportunities.

The McCarthy Road is open and there are no driving 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 https://www.nps.gov/wrst/parkmgmt/currentfireinfo.htm or contact WRST PIO Mark Keogh at 907-822-7223. For Statewide Wildfire information, go to: http://fire.ak.blm.gov/

-NPS –