Fire activity continues to be minimal on the McCoy Creek fire, aided by recent cooler temperatures and precipitation. Firefighters will demobilize throughout the rest of the week and equipment that is no longer needed will be transported by boat and helicopter from the fire area. This will be the final written update for the McCoy Creek Fire unless conditions change.
After August 25, White Mountain Handcrew, Helicopter 230, and managers will be the only remaining firefighters on the McCoy Creek Fire. They will patrol the river corridor and ensure that all hotspots near structures on the fire perimeter remain extinguished. They will stay until fire managers feel the fire no longer presents any threat to the public and structures on the Salcha River.
Residents of the Salcha River corridor returning to their properties should be aware of the many hazards that remain in an area after a wildfire.
Burned trees: Standing burned or partially burned trees and snags can fall down with very little disturbance or wind if their root systems have burned.
Hazardous smoke: Smoldering piles may include plastics or other materials that produce toxins in smoke. Please avoid breathing direct smoke from smoldering areas.
Ash pits: White ash on the ground may indicate deep pockets of hot ash where roots and ground vegetation have burned and may continue to burn below ground level.
Children and animals: Children and pets should be carefully supervised to avoid potential hazards like ash pits, falling trees, and hazardous smoke.
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 is set to open on August 25. It remains closed to the public until then 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.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 