While firefighters are engaged on three different fires in Southwest Alaska, a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3) is being put in place Friday to manage 9 other fires in the region. The ICT3 will provide operational organization, logistical support, coordination of tactical resources and planning of how to best meet current and future management objectives. Eight of the fires under the ICT3 are currently unstaffed; #’s 157, 158, 163, 164, 165, 170, 171 & 172. The ninth fire, Portage Fire (#169), has 12 smokejumpers and two retardant tankers taking suppressive action Thursday.
Detection of new fires in Southwest Alaska has tapered off with only two new fires discovered in the region Wednesday. The Kvichavak River Fire (#182) and the Little Underhill Creek Fire (#188) both plotted in limited protection areas. The Kvichavak River Fire is burning in within 5 miles of Native allotments but has low potential to spread as it is mostly surrounded by natural barriers in the form of lakes and wetlands. A detection flight is scheduled to make observations of the Little Underhill Creek Fire Thursday if weather allows.
Below is an update of action taken Wednesday on fires in Southwest Alaska. Personnel assigned and acreages have been updated to reflect the most recent numbers.
The Mishevik Slough Fire (#175) size has been reduced to 50 acres due to more accurate mapping. Eight smoke jumpers continue to work on putting out around a dozen areas of remaining heat. The fire is now 95% contained and smokejumpers anticipate being able to demobilize from the fire as soon as Friday. There are multiple allotments and structures threatened. This fire is burning in a full suppression management area.
The Flat Creek Fire (#178) was staffed by an additional nine firefighters bringing the total to 15 personnel. Low to moderate fire behavior was observed along the northwest side of the fire. Firefighters worked with a helicopter delivering bucket loads of water to bring containment of the fire up to 50%. Mining structures and the airstrip in the Flat area are protection priorities.
The Ivy Creek Fire (#156) is now staffed by a total of 35 firefighters. Fire personnel worked along the right side of the fire to extinguish areas of heat and begin mop-up operations. The fire is 80 acres and 90% contained. 10 smokejumpers are demobilizing today. 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 2500 acres, burning in black spruce and mixed hardwoods. Minimal smoldering fire behavior was observed, and the east side of the fire is holding, showing no growth. 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 and there is no current threat to Red Devil.
The Portage Fire (#169) is holding at 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. 12 smokejumpers along with two retardant tankers are working the fire Thursday. 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) has been updated to 6,000 acres in size. This fire is burning in a modified suppression management area and is burning near two 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) acreage has increased to 247 due to recent mapping. The fire is still 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 13 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 