10:50 PM – Bucket work and precipitation have caused the fire to die down. It is estimated to be 10-acres. Once the helicopter refuels, it will shuttle additional firefighters to the fire where they will work into the evening and spend the night near the fire. There are 11 firefighters assigned to the fire. Air Attack arrived over the fire to coordinate air and ground operations. The air tanker made multiple drops from two loads of water on the flanks of the fire to slow its progress allowing firefighters on the ground to continue cutting saw line and building hose lays around the fire.
This will be the last update for the evening. Follow up posts will be on AKFireInfo.com.
9:30 PM – The Killey River Fire is currently estimated to be 5 acres. Two DFFP engines are en route along with Air Attack and an air tanker loaded with water. Water has been requested instead of retardant because of the proximity to river ways. Currently the fire is receiving light precipitation, slowing down fire activity. Firefighters have set up a pump and hose system and are working up the left flank. The helicopter is continuing bucket work.
There are no structures immediately threatened and there is no need for evacuations.
8:30 PM — Passing aircraft and recreational boaters reported a fire burning on the banks of the Killey River, about 5-miles southeast of Funny River. Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP) launched a helicopter with its Helitack crew. Upon arrival the helicopter deployed the firefighters and rigged for bucket work. They reported the Killey River Fire (060) to be 2 acres, burning in grass and in an old burned area with standing dead and fallen dead trees.
This report will be updated as more information comes available.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 