Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection Pioneer Peak Hotshots and BLM Alaska Fire Service Chena Hotshots conducted a successful burn-out operation Monday along nearly five miles of the western flank of the Popovich Creek Coal Seam Fire (#067). This work was done to remove burnable vegetation along the perimeter that could cause the fire to escape containment if it were left and ignited unexpectedly. Air Attack flying overhead coordinated this complex operation between firefighters on the ground, two helicopters making bucket drops and two retardant tankers. Usibelli Coal Mine provided a large water truck to supply water to the multistage pumping system set up by firefighters. Retardant was used along the burn-out to ensure that portion of the perimeter was secure. An additional retardant drop was made along the northern edge of the fire to help secure it for winds forecast for Tuesday. Strong winds and low humidities brought near Red Flag conditions to the area Tuesday and will persist into Wednesday.
Tuesday, Chena Hotshots continued to secure the burned flank, conducting grid searches of the green area outside the fire to ensure there had been no escapement. Pioneer Peak and DOF White Mountain Crew reinforced and improved dozer lines on the northern edge of the fire as southern gusts of 30 mph winds tested their firelines.
The fire is an estimated 2,459 acres with 10% containment. Critical fire weather conditions will start to moderate Wednesday afternoon as Chinook winds through the Alaska Range passes weaken and chances of showers develop in the higher terrain. Shower chances increase on Thursday with much cooler temperatures and higher humidities.
Smoke and embers fill the air as BLM AFS Chena Hotshots conduct burn-out operations Monday, May 20, 2024, on the Popovich Creek Coal Seam Fire (#067). Logan Parsley/DOF
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 