5:00 PM UPDATE: Hand crews continued to make good progress towards containment on the Ridgetop Fire today as they continue to mop up and patrol the fire perimeter for hot spots while being supported by fire engines and helicopters. Engines crews will continue to provide structure support while hand crews will utilize pumps and hose lays to supply water to areas of the fire that need to be cooled off to ensure the fire is contained within the perimeter as they work towards increasing containment over the next few days. As more progress is made towards full containment, crews will begin to be released back to their home stations to prepare for other incidents around the state.
Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft will continue to support the firefighters on the ground and will be visible to the public traveling along the Parks Highway. The Parks Highway has not been impacted by today’s firefighting efforts but the Temporary Flight Restriction is still in affect.
Beginning tomorrow, We will be posting once daily updates on the Ridgetop Fire unless fire activity increases or there is an impact to the Parks Highway.
9:00 AM UPDATE: Working throughout the evening, firefighters made good progress on increasing containment to 30% on the 246 acre Ridgetop Fire. Last night, crews continued to construct direct fireline on the left and right flank while mopping up portions of the fire near the heel. Firefighters have also constructed and begun utilizing an extensive network of portable water tanks, pumps and hose lays to assist in mop up operations which will support the goal of increasing containment over the next 24 hours. There are currently 144 personnel assigned to the fire.
Today, Engine crews will continue to provide structure protection near the cabins within the fire area while hand crews will be shuttled with helicopters to the remote portions of the fire line to continue mopping up the fire perimeter and patrolling for hot spots. Firefighters while be assisted with aviation support from water dropping helicopters and other fixed wing aircraft where needed. The forecasted weather for the fire area today calls for cooler than average daytime temperatures which will aid in suppression efforts.
The public may still encounter firefighters and firefighting apparatus between mile marker 253 and 255 on the Parks Highway. The Parks Highway has not been impacted by the fire; however, the public is reminded to reduce their speed and drive with caution in the area to help provide for firefighter safety.
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
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 