May 29 5:00 p.m.
A smoldering fire in a coal seam outside of Healy is starting to put up a noticeable column of smoke. The Popavich Fire, reported on May 24, 2014, by a passing pilot, is a 20 acre slow moving fire in the middle of a previously burned area. Mining operations are under way in the general area but there is no immediate threat to structures or valuable resources.
A second coal seam fire in the same area was reported Thursday, May 29. These fires, difficult to extinguish, carry over through the winter and flare up with hot, dry conditions. Forestry will continue to monitor these fires.
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for the Denali area until 10 p.m. Friday and a wind advisory for strong winds until Saturday, May 31.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 