A member of the public reported a wildfire between Spruce Road and Barley Way in Delta Junction at 1:30pm on Saturday, May 20. The Incident Commander reported the Barley Way Fire to be 10 acres burning in grass and mostly wind driven. The fire was moving quickly through agricultural fields, burning in grass and windrows. Spruce and timber fuel were also catching and spreading the fire. The fire had grown to approximately 75 acres by 4:30pm. The start was confirmed to be human caused but remains under investigation.
Initial attack included two helicopters with helitack personnel and an air attack ship. Eight BLM Alaska Smokejumpers responded in their first fire jump of the season. Five engines from Delta, Tok, and Fort Greely responded to help suppress the fire along with assistance from one contractor and the Delta Junction Fire Department.
Two BLM Alaska Fire Service hotshot crews, the Midnight Sun Hotshots and Chena Hotshots, arrived on scene at 7:00pm on Saturday, May 20 and began putting in saw line. A fire investigator responded to help determine the cause of the fire.
The forward progression of the fire had been stopped around 8:30pm and 40% containment was achieved by 11:55pm.
47 personnel remained on the fire overnight and will continue containment and mop-up operations throughout the day on Sunday, May 21.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 