Higher relative humidity and slightly cooler temperatures contributed to a favorable environment for firefighting crews on the Little Chena River Fire (#499). While some hots spots remain, crews are taking advantage of the weather and minimal fire activity to complete projects.
Yesterday, firefighters completed a saw line around the entire fire, and hose lays on the northern and southern flanks. Additionally, a pump was set up at the Little Chena River which provides a consistent source of water for firefighting actions. Crews have mopped up 20 feet into the burned area from the outer edge of the fire, creating a buffer against future fire progression.
Division of Forestry, Fairbanks Area Incident Commander Ernest Prax indicates the fire remains at 122 acres, and crews have achieved 15% containment. Hazards include the steep and muddy hillsides, plus stands of white spruce which fell Thursday. White spruce have shallow root systems easily compromised by fire and topple over quite easily during light winds in burned out areas.
The lightning caused fire remains 11 miles northeast of the Fort Knox mine, and 11 miles north of Two Rivers.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 