Date: June 20, 2017
Contact: Kris Fister, 907-455-0641
A crew of seven Alaska Fire Service firefighters are currently working to suppress the 18-acre lightning-ignited Pass Creek Fire in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. The fire was 50% contained as of the morning of Tues, June 20, and is expected to be fully contained by this evening. The firefighters are being supported by a medium helicopter.
The fire was discovered on Sunday, June 18 during an afternoon overflight by the Alaska Fire Service. It is located near the Windfall Mountain, approximately 16 miles northwest of Eagle. NPS fire managers made the decision to suppress the fire immediately due to the high potential for fire growth, and the threat to private property and allotments that were within two miles of the fire.
Fire in Alaska’s boreal forest is an essential process that restores ecosystem health and helps maintain species diversity. The National Park Service works with its interagency partners, neighboring communities, and other stakeholders to balance the risks and benefits of wildland fire when making decisions on fire management. Land owners can decrease the risk to their property by taking steps to make cabins and other structures more defensible against wildfire.
Additional information on the Preserve is available at www.nps.gov/yuch or by calling the Eagle Visitor Center between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at (907) 547-2233.
