Firefighters had another successful operational period on the Ridgetop Fire, increasing containment to 50% overnight. While providing for firefighter and public safety, firefighters will continue to mop up and patrol the fire perimeter while providing structure protection within the fire area. Today firefighters will focus on mopping up within 300 feet or more from the fire’s edge to ensure the fire remains contained. Crews will continue to be supported by aviation resources as needed.
Smoke may be visible in the fire area today. The smoke is not from the Ridgetop Fire but from the 50 acre, Louise Creek Fire (#122), 8 miles east of the Ridgetop Fire. This fire started near the Healy coal seam and is burning in grass and intermittent spruce stands within the historic fire control lines. Crews and aviation assets from the Ridgetop Fire will continue to support the Louise Creek fire as needed.
Neither of these fires have impacted the Parks Highway corridor but firefighters and firefighting apparatus will continue to work between mile marker 253 and 255. In addition, 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.
There is 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 