Fire crews are actively working to contain the Nelchina Glacier Fire (#226) burning near Eureka Lodge along the Glenn Highway. Recent rainfall has helped slow the fire, but heavy cloud cover yesterday delayed the arrival of crews to the fire line until late afternoon. With firefighters now on the ground and heavy equipment arriving today, work is underway to build and reinforce containment lines, with progress expected in the days ahead.
Aerial support—using both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft—is helping manage the fire’s edge, especially near Eureka Creek and the Nelchina River. These aircraft are targeting hotspots and slowing the fire’s spread while supporting ground crews now working safely on-site.
As conditions and fire behavior shift, the response is adapting. A Type 3 Incident Commander has taken over management of the fire today to ensure smooth operations and plan for additional support. More personnel and equipment are being brought in, including a bulldozer that arrived yesterday to begin constructing fire lines and removing vegetation ahead of the fire.
A public meeting will be held Tuesday, July 1 at 6:00 PM at the Mendeltna Community Church. Fire managers will provide updates on current conditions, actions being taken to protect the area, and how the weather may impact firefighting efforts. All local residents are encouraged to attend.
With increased travel expected during the holiday week, drivers between mile markers 126 and 138 on the Glenn Highway should use extra caution. Fire crews and support vehicles will be active in the area—please slow down and stay alert to help keep everyone safe.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 