The Oskawalik Fire (#122) remains 1,779 acres in size and is now 20% contained. It is being managed under a full suppression strategy. Fire personnel on the incident increased to 105 today, with crews continuing to make strong progress towards containment efforts.
Work on the north and south flanks of the fire has been especially productive. On the north side, the Chena Interagency Hotshots and Division of Forestry & Fire Protections Gannett Glacier Type 2 Initial Attack crew continue to secure top portion of the fire. On the south, smokejumpers and southwest Alaska area crews are working there way north. These two groups are about one mile away from “tying in” their line.
“Tying in” is an important part of wildfire suppression. It refers to when two crews often working on opposite ends of a fire construct fire lines toward one another until they meet. Once the line connects, it creates a continuous fuel break around the fire, helping stop its spread. This also allows for easier communication, safe access, and a more effective mop up, since firefighters can now work along a secure perimeter.
Firefighters will continue working on the perimeter and the plan is to start working towards the middle after the perimeter is secured.
For more information on the Oskawalik Fire please contact Division of Forestry & Fire. Protection Public Information line at (907) 795-4285
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 