Firefighters are shifting into mop-up mode on the North Robertson Fire.
The fire, burning along the Alaska Highway about 30-miles northwest of Tok, was reported on June 1 about two miles west of the Alaska Highway near Milepost 1350. Containment was reported Tuesday morning to be 40 percent by the Alaska Division of Forestry. The fire is believed to be human caused and is under investigation.
The latest perimeter and containment map for the North Robertson Fire near Tok. The black line represents containment.
The last portion of saw line around the fire was completed Monday, allowing firefighters to encircle the 832-acre fire with portable pumps and hose lays. Crews can now focus on mop up operations with a goal of clearing 300 feet in from the outside perimeter by extinguishing or removing all burning materials.
Two helicopters will support personnel on the fireline by making water drops on hotspots and shuttling cargo. Fresh food boxes were delivered Monday afternoon to the nine crews and overhead personnel camped out around the fire. There are 238 people assigned to the fire.
Light precipitation was reported over the fire area Monday, moderating fire behavior. The weather is forecast to remain much the same for the next few days with mostly cloudy skies and isolated showers. Temperatures are expected to warm toward the weekend. Winds from passing afternoon thunderstorms may increase burning in the interior of the fire, possibly making smoke visible from the highway.
The Alaska Division of Forestry has put a burn suspension in place Tuesday for the Tok area. Open burning and the use of burn barrels is not allowed. Although it is still legal to have small campfires less than 3 feet in diameter, forestry fire officials advise you to refrain from doing so until conditions have moderated.
A temporary flight restriction remains in place of the fire and pilots should check with the Federal Aviation Administration before flying in the area. More information on the TFR is available at http://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html.
The Alaska Highway remains open but motorists in the area should use caution and be on the lookout for firefighting equipment and firefighters on the road.
For more information, contact Alaska Division of Forestry public information officer Tim Mowry at 907-356-5512.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 