Strong winds Tuesday tested control lines firefighters have constructed on the Popovich Creek Coal Seam Fire (#067), but none were compromised. The winds kept helicopters grounded, preventing them from delivering supplies to firefighters or assisting extinguishing hotspots with bucket drops. The winds have subsided Wednesday and the area is experiencing cooler temperatures and higher humidities.
A new fire was discovered Tuesday evening by firefighters acting as lookouts, keeping an eye on the Popovich fire. About 5-miles to the east of Popovich, Air Attack confirmed the Sanderson Creek Fire (#084) burning near Lignite Creek. It is estimated to be 195 acres as of Wednesday. This fire will be managed along with the Popovich fire and a suppression plan for both fires will be developed.
The Popovich Creek Coal Seam fire is estimated to be 3,954-acres with 50% containment. Firefighters will continue to build and improve containment lines throughout the day on Wednesday. BLM AFS Chena Hotshot Crew are working to secure the fire’s western edge and grid the green areas outside of Monday’s burn-out operation to ensure the fire has not crossed their control lines. DOF crews, Pioneer Peak Hotshots and White Mountain are installing hose-lays and constructing control lines on the fire’s northern perimeter in preparation of another burn operation to secure that portion of the fire and connect it with the work done on the west flank. This work will be conduct if and when the weather and conditions allow.
Helicopters are returning to work Wednesday, delivering sling-loads of supplies to the fire line and firefighters. An Unmanned Aerial System with thermal imaging capabilities is being used to identify hotspots for crews. Helicopters with water dropping buckets are supporting ground personnel extinguishing the hotspots threatening control lines.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 