The 818-acre Tetlin River Fire is now 50 percent contained and crews are continuing mop-up operations on the wildfire approximately 20 miles south of Tok, according to the Alaska Division of Forestry.
The fire received significant precipitation on Sunday, the first wetting rain that has fallen on the fire since it started more than a week ago.
Two crews were released from the fire on Saturday to assist with suppression efforts on other fires started by lightning strikes Saturday afternoon. Demobilization of resources will continue as crews make progress mopping up the fire.
There are still more than 300 personnel assigned to the fire, which started on June 17 and came less than a mile from the village of Tetlin before firefighters in the air and on the ground were able to stop it.
Crews continue to mop up and search for hotspots within 300 feet of the fire perimeter while other crews are cutting and piling hazard trees along trails and the Tetlin River corridor that could pose a safety risk to firefighters and local residents traveling the river or trails.
A temporary flight restriction remains in effect over the fire and local pilots should check the status of the TFR before flying in the area.
A sawer with the White Mountain Type 2 Initial Attack crew calls out “tree coming down” as he finishes his back-cut Thursday, June 23, 2016, on the Tetlin River Fire. Photo by Sam Harrel/Alaska Division of Forestry
Members of the White Mountain Type 2 Initial Attack crew clear a 40 foot wide indirect line on the Tetlin River Fire on Thursday, June 24, 2016. The clearing works as a fire break for firefighting efforts. Photo by Sam Harrel/Alaska Division of Forestry
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 