Firefighters continue to make steady progress on the Nelchina Glacier Fire (#226), located 4 miles south of the Eureka Roadhouse. It remains at 3,919 acres at 12% contained. There are currently 71 personnel assigned to the fire. With warmer temperatures and light winds, occasional single tree torching and smoke from unburned pockets of vegetation may remain visible along the Glenn Highway. These are expected and being monitored closely by crews.
Yesterday crews focused on mopping up 25 feet in from the saw line on the north edge of the fire, backhauling excess equipment from staging areas, and working with a resource advisor to begin assessing rehabilitation needs. Firefighters also continued removing pumps and hose from dozer lines near structures on the east side of the fire. On the east and west flanks firefighters also made significant progress cold trailing and gridding the perimeter. These methods involve carefully inspecting and feeling the ground to locate and extinguish hidden heat, ensuring the fire is out.
A Resource Advisor (READ) plays a crucial role during wildland fire incidents by ensuring that firefighting efforts protect natural, cultural, and environmental resources. Resource Advisors serve as the bridge between fire operations and land stewardship. Their guidance helps ensure that firefighting doesn’t cause more harm than the fire itself—especially in ecologically or culturally significant areas.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 