Firefighters complete Anchorage Hillside project

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on May 31, 2025

(Anchorage, AK) – For the greater part of May, the sound of chainsaws rang throughout the neighborhood and billows of white smoke rose from the forested area adjacent to the Hilltop Ski Area. Trail closed signs and caution tape were draped across popular single track trails. Firefighter crew vehicles filled the parking lots, while men and women donning green pants and yellow shirts worked the land to reduce hazardous fuels in an area of Anchorage where the forest meets the town, also referred to as the Wildland Urban Interface.

As many as 60 firefighters at a time, from the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) supported by the Anchorage Fire Department (AFD), spent 10 to 12 hours everyday cutting, stacking and burning debris as part of the East-West Connector fuels project implemented to protect life, property, and infrastructure in the event of a wildfire. The work created defensible space that improves firefighter access and promotes a healthy, fire-resilient forest. After 25 days of thinning the forested area and controlled pile burning, the project is complete. The firefighters packed up, returned home and refurbished their gear to get ready for the next assignment.

Watch the final update on the East-West Fuels Project from DOF Coastal Region Fuels Specialist Ethan DeBauche. Ethan gives

In the wake of this three-and-half-week endeavor, a fuel break has been established that will serve not only the community, but also the firefighters who protect life, property, infrastructure and other values that may be at risk during a wildfire. Here’s some of the project statistics:

500 Piles Burned	25 days worked
200 foot wide fuel break	3 fire crews
60 firefighters onsite	1.25 mile long fuel break
40 acres treated	1 collaborative project

Firefighters cut fuels and stacked the debris into piles. With safety measures in place and an ample water supply from the AFD water tenders, the fire crews lighted and tended the piles in a controlled, systematic fashion. Fire personnel camped onsite to provide 24-hour oversight during the burning operations.

Controlled pile burning began May 12th.
Cooling the piles was essential to reducing tree mortality
Smoky conditions persisted on the project mainly for the firefighters.
AFD supported the project with water deliveries everyday during burning.
Spraying the surrounding fuels was critical to prevent the fires from spreading beyond the piles.
Pumps and hoses were used during all controlled pile burning.
Buamgartner and Troxel provided experience and leadership on the project.
500 piles were burned on the project.
Firefighters monitored the piles until they were completely extinguished.
Mat-Su Firefighter Robin Ace teaches local families about wildfires
DNR Commissioner Boyle visits the project site.
Smoke was visible from many areas in Anchorage.
Deputy AFD Fire Chief shakes hands with Pioneer Peak Superintendent.
An aerial view of the column.

The men and women who performed this work came from DOF Coastal Region Wildfire Crews; Gannett Glacier Type 2 Initial Attack Crew, Pioneer Peak Interagency Hotshot Crew and the Mat-Su Fuels & Suppression Module. The firefighters dedicated their time and energy to successfully complete this fuels project and gained valuable training and leadership experience while fostering crew cohesion along the way.

Photo Gallery of DOF’s Firefighters . Gannett Glacier, Pioneer Peak and Mat-Su Fire Module pose for end of project crew photos.

More fuels projects will be implemented in the Municipality of Anchorage as part of a strategic plan.

Thanks to the community for their patience and understanding throughout the project. Also, a special thanks to the cooperating agencies who supported this project and helped it to be successful. Anchorage Fire Department, MOA Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Alaska State Parks, Hilltop Ski Area, Singletrack Trail Alliance, Anchorage Water and Waste Water Utility.

For more information on the East-West Connector fuels project, contact DOF Coastal Region Public Information at (907)-795-4285

For Anchorage Fire Department questions, contact AFD Public Information Officer Megan A. Peters (907)-227-9473, Megan.A.Peters@anchorageak.gov.

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