5:00 PM UPDATE: Today, firefighters with the help of aviation support increased containment on the 246 acre Ridgetop Fire (#117) 5 miles north of Healy. The reduction in acreage is due to more accurate mapping. Numerous aviation resources have been utilized throughout the day for crew shuttles, cargo support and water drops to help firefighters cool the fire perimeter as they continue to construct direct fire line and mop up cooler portions of the fire area.
In addition to fire line construction, assigned crews spent their day reinforcing structure protection with the use of portable water tanks, hose lays, sprinklers and pumps. These tools allow firefighters to take a proactive approach that will assist them in preventing additional cabins to be impacted by the Ridgetop Fire in the event of an increase in fire activity due to a change in weather or fuel type.
Although smoke over the fire area may not be visible to the public traveling along the Parks Highway corridor due to the hard work of the firefighters today, there will continue to be a large presence of firefighters and equipment working along the Parks Highway between mile markers 253 and 255. Fire crews are continuing to utilize that area for ground support and staging of aerial resources for firefighting efforts. Aviation will continue to be utilized in suppression and support efforts this evening and will be visible to the public between the Healy airport and the Parks Highway corridor.
There continues to be a Temporary Flight Restriction in place over the fire area. To view the current TFR in the area please visit https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html
This will be the last update for the evening unless fire activity increases or there is an impact to the Parks Highway.
9:00 AM UPDATE: Firefighters took advantage of the cooler temperatures and higher humidity of the early morning hours to increase containment and secure the fireline near the heel of the 300-acre Ridgetop Fire (#117) north of Healy. There are currently 150 personnel assigned to this incident.
This morning helicopters will continue to transport crews and fire gear to the fire line while also supporting firefighters on the ground with water drops. Specialized firefighters will utilize a drone to identify hotspots on the fire perimeter which will allow them to direct firefighting operations to areas of immediate concern. Crews will also take the opportunity to begin mopping up cooler parts of the fire towards the heel while continuing to construct direct fireline and provide structure protection of homes within the fire area with pumps and extensive hose lays. Dozers a have been ordered and will be available to assist with firefighting operations during today’s operations.
The Parks Highway will continue to be open with no impact to public traveling on the highway corridor. The public is reminded to drive with caution and reduce speed in the area as fire crews and fire apparatus may be encountered between mile post 254 and 255 as firefighters access the fire and staging area. In addition to the visible ground resources, aviation resources will continue to be seen flying over the highway as they conduct aerial operations throughout the day.
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction in place over the fire area to reduce aircraft intrusions while aviation resources conduct flight operations. To view the current TFR in the area please visit https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 