Drones or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) provide many utilities to wildland fire operations.

Pogo Mine Road Fire (#191) & Mount Hayes Fire (#299)

Saturday – August 19, 2023

UAS platforms offer a variety of capabilities such as infrared heat detection, guiding resources to otherwise hard to find heat, mapping, and reconnaissance without exposing pilots or crews to the hazards of traditional aircraft. These missions can be completed in a shorter time frame and at a fraction of the cost to land management agencies.

Pogo Mine Road Fire (#191) – 48,745 acres | 167 personnel | 12 miles NW of Delta

UAS flew an infrared heat detection mission on the western portion of the fire to identify any areas of heat that could pose a future threat to containment. The structure protection group will be assessing  Quartz Lake to help homeowners create defensible space around structures for the future. Chena Hotshots, Franco Forestry, and North Pacific fire crews have completed cutting saw line around the portion of the fire that spotted over the Alyeska Pipeline. Firefighters are focused on installing pumps and hose to complete securing that section. Tanana Chiefs Conference Crew and the Tongass Fire Suppression Module are in place for both structure protection and mop up close to structures. Arroyo Grande Hotshots will be completing work in the Shaw Creek drainage.

Mount Hayes Fire (#299) – 6,720 acres | 23 personnel | 7 miles SE of Deltana

No growth on the fire over the last week. The fire is currently being monitored by air. Sierra Hotshots are implementing cabin protection for three public-use Alaska Fish & Game cabins located east of the Gerstle River. Donna & Little Donna Lake structure protection has been completed. Inventory and retrieval of surplus suppression equipment from the fire has begun.

Weather: Cloudy and cool conditions with afternoon showers expected today. Breezy west to northwest winds expected through the day.

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for the fires, pilots please check NOTAMs.

You Tube: www.youtube.com/AlaskaDNRDOF

www.akfireinfo.com  ♦  www.facebook.com/AK.Forestry  ♦  inciweb.wildfire.gov/



Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF), UAS/Drones

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