Last night, Tuesday, August 5th around 9:00 PM, a member of the public reported a smoke column near milepost 24 on Chena Hot Springs Road. A Division of Forestry & Fire Protection helicopter and engine were dispatched to the location, where they discovered a tree that had been struck by lightning . The holdover fire from a previous day lightning storm caused the tree’s root system to smolder, creating the smoke.
The helicopter applied water to the Zuendel Fire (#487) with its bucket to the smoldering roots while the engine crew cut down the tree. After the tree was cut down, firefighters performed a complete mop-up to ensure that all heat sources were extinguished. The incident was officially called out at 11:30 PM, and the fire is now contained and under control.
No further action is expected.
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 