A wildland fire was discovered May 25 in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, across the Yukon River from Kathul Mountain, east of Washington Creek. Personnel from the Upper Yukon Zone of the Bureau of Land Management – Alaska Fire Service (AFS) flew over the fire, estimating it to be at 450 acres. They identified the Washington Creek cabin within 2.5 miles of the fire, on its western side.
Six AFS smokejumpers deployed into in the area on May 25 to set up a sprinkler system and hose lay around the nearby cabin and assess other infrastructure within several miles of the fire. By Monday morning, May 26, the Kathul Fire (#090) had grown to 600 acres. The fire received some light precipitation on May 26, and scattered showers are expected in the vicinity over the next few days. On Tuesday May 27, the smokejumpers completed their work and demobilized, leaving the fire in monitor status.
National Park Service – Alaska would like to thank the Bureau of Land Management – Alaska Fire Service for providing timely assistance and logistical support to this effort.
Fire management staff are encouraging visitors to be especially cautious with their use of fire while enjoying the preserve, especially during dry conditions, where wildfires can start and grow extremely quickly. Campfires are currently allowed in the Preserve, but the effects of an unattended campfire could last for many years. Fires must be kept small and be completely extinguished before leaving the area.
Visitors and pilots are cautioned to be aware of wildfire smoke and fire management aircraft in the area. To report a wildland fire in Alaska, call the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center at 1-800-237-3633. For statewide fire information visit: akfireinfo.com or fire.ak.blm.gov.
Learn more about Firewise and reducing the risk of wildland fire around structures through the Alaska Wildland Fire Coordinating Group Firewise PDF.
Additional park information is available by calling the Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center at (907) 459-3730 between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily, or by visiting the Yukon-Charley Rivers website at www.nps.gov/yuch/learn/nature/wildlandfire.htm.
Contact: Jason Devcich, 907-455-0650
Categories: AK Fire Info, Alaska NPS, BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 