Operations on the McCoy Creek Fire continue to wind down. Saturday, five “sling loads” and three boats worth of backhaul were returned from the fire area. “Sling loads” consist of hauling a net full of equipment, up to 2000 pounds, with a helicopter connected to a long line. This equipment contains pumps, hose, sprinklers, and trash from the operations on the fire.
A staggered demobilization of crews from the McCoy Creek Fire will occur as they reach the extent of their work period, eventually leaving a limited number of assigned resources that will monitor fire activity until officials feel a threat to the Salcha River Corridor no longer remains. Union Hotshots demobilized from the fire Saturday, and will be returning to the lower 48. Firefighters remaining on the McCoy Creek Fire include the North Pacific Handcrew, the White Mountain Handcrew, and the West Coast Handcrew.
EVACUATIONS: The Lower Salcha River, approximately from river mile 3 to 40, is in Set status. The Middle Salcha, approximately river mile 40 to 61, remains in a Ready status.
CLOSURES: The Salcha River Recreation Area remains closed to the public to give firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely. Property owners can still access the river at the boat ramp but should be aware this is still an active fire area and in evacuation status. Please use caution and be aware of increased boat traffic in the area between river miles 20-30. In addition, the Harding Lake Campground is closed, but the boat ramp for Harding Lake remains open to the public. Fire managers and Alaska State Parks are working on a date to open areas that remain closed.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 