The snow pack around the Interior is quickly melting away, leaving dry grass exposed that is susceptible to fire. This small grass fire off the Old Steese Highway near Chena Hot Springs Road on Tuesday was caused by a spark/ember that traveled approximately 30 feet from the spot a Department of Transportation crew was cutting a power pole and caught exposed grass on fire. By the time anyone noticed it, the fire had grown too big to be put out by hand. The Division of Forestry and Steese Volunteer Fire Department responded to extinguish the fire, which was estimated at one-tenth of an acre. Let this serve as a reminder to be careful when using power tools near exposed grasses or other flammable materials.

Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Fire Prevention, Fire Weather