The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection has deployed three modules—Fairbanks, Mat-Su, and Denali—to North Carolina to assist the U.S. Forest Service with wildfire suppression and forest management operations. This collaboration highlights the importance of interagency partnerships in addressing fire activity and promoting forest resilience nationwide.
The Alaska modules arrived in Asheville on November 11 and immediately began work on suppression efforts for the 175-acre Old Roughy Fire near Andrews, NC. Their contributions were key to managing the fire and mitigating its impact.
After completing work on the Old Roughy Fire, the crews were reassigned to Murphy, North Carolina, where they focused on brushing out a timber unit near the Hiwassee Dam—a necessary step for maintaining forest health and safety. Today, they began cutting control lines in preparation for a prescribed burn planned by the Tusquitee Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service for 2025. These efforts play a critical role in preventing future wildfires by reducing fuel loads.
With ongoing dry conditions in the region, the crews will remain stationed in Murphy, ready to respond to any new fire activity as initial attack resources. Their efforts underscore the value of skilled personnel and collaboration in protecting communities and natural resources.
Categories: AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 