The Division of Forestry & Fire Protection has deployed additional resources to Southwest Alaska and suppression efforts are underway. In response to the bloom of new fires in the wake of Monday’s lightning, resources have been assigned to fires based on priority derived from location and proximity to values at risk. Firefighters on the ground are working in conjunction with aerial support to slow and extinguish as many fires as possible in full or modified protection areas. Detection flights flown Tuesday confirmed the locations of several additional fires, bringing the total number of fires in the Southwest region to 28. Weather in the region is expected to moderate slightly over the next few days contributing to the effectiveness of firefighting efforts. Scattered showers brought variable precipitation to some of the fires.
The Mishevik Slough Fire (#175) was reported at 65 acres. Eight smokejumpers responded from St. Mary’s and were deployed. They were able to secure parts of the fire keeping it at 80 acres as of Wednesday morning. Smokejumpers anticipate securing the rest of the fire by mid-day Thursday and being available for release from the fire. There are multiple allotments and structures threatened. This fire is burning in a full suppression management area.
The Flat Creek Fire (#178) was discovered by a detection flight and plotted in full protection just under 2 miles south of Flat. A DOF Helitack crew of five firefighters responded and reported a 26-acre fire creeping in black spruce. Mining structures and the airstrip in the Flat area are protection priorities.
The Ivy Creek Fire (#156) was reported 15 miles to the northwest of McGrath and 3 miles west of the nearest cabin. 12 smokejumpers were deployed and worked in conjunction with two Fire Boss water scoopers. Smokejumpers reported lower fire activity Tuesday afternoon and no growth overnight. A hose lay was completed on the right side of the fire. Smokejumpers were joined by an additional 14 firefighters from McGrath and are working on mopping up and securing the fire edge. DOF is planning on staffing the fire with an additional 18 firefighters from McGrath on Thursday. The fire is 25 acres and 80% contained. This fire is burning in a modified suppression management area. The nearest cabin is 5 miles away.
The Eightmile Creek Fire (#171) is currently estimated to be between 500-800 acres, burning in black spruce and mixed hardwoods. This fire is burning in a full suppression management area, 2.5 miles south of a Native allotment and 8.5 miles west of Red Devil. The Kuskokwim River is acting as a natural barrier to fire spread between the fire and allotment. No values are immediately threatened.
The Portage Fire (#169) is currently 200 acres and burning in grass and tundra and has reached the river. Retardant was dropped on the east side flank and the fire is moving into an old, burned area on the west side. This is a full suppression fire and multiple Native allotments are in the surrounding area.
The Owhat River Fire (#165) was reported by residents of Chuathbaluk. The fire is 700 acres and has been placed in monitor status. This fire is burning in a modified suppression management area, there are no values at risk. DOF will continue to monitor this fire and respond as needed.
The South Fork George River Fire (#172) is currently estimated to be somewhere between 300-800 acres. This fire is burning in a modified suppression management area and is burning near Native allotments. DOF is coordinating with newly arriving resources and developing a response plan.
The Downey Creek Fire (#170) is currently at 50 acres and smoldering with light smoke visible. This fire is burning in a modified suppression management area, 2.5 miles to the south of Georgetown. No values immediately threatened.
The Muskeg Creek Fire (#163) was reported at 0.5 acres 3 miles to the west of Stoney River Lodge. Some visible smoke was observed. This fire is burning in a modified suppression management area, there is a body of water and wetlands between the lodge and the fire. DOF will continue to monitor this fire and respond as needed.
There are 15 additional fires burning in limited management areas that will continue to be monitored by the Southwest Area DOF office. The Division of Forestry & Fire Protection will continue to share information about the fires in southwest Alaska as it becomes available from reconnaissance flights and ground resources.
For more information on fire management options in Alaska, visit https://forestry.alaska.gov/fire/fireplans.
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 