U.S. Wildland Fire Service smokejumpers are assigned to a 340‑acre fire 20 miles west of Rampart, where they will protect two Native allotments on the north side of the Yukon River with help from more firefighters on their way The USWFS Chena Hotshots are mobilizing today to join the response — driving first to Manley Hot Springs, then shuttling by helicopter to the Canyon Fire (#174), 31 miles to the north.
The fire was ignited by lightning on Thursday. Because it is burning in a Limited Management Option Area, it is generally allowed to play its natural ecological role unless it threatens identified sites of value.
On Monday night, fire managers determined the fire had advanced close enough to one of the two allotments — and that moderated fire activity provided a good opportunity to protect it with the resources available — to send firefighters. In Alaska, Native allotments receive full protection status. Eight smokejumpers responded and are preparing the area for the incoming hotshot crew. Because the fire is still within the Limited Option area, they will focus on protecting the allotments without directly engaging the main fire.
The fire is backing down a hill, burning in decadent black and white spruce within 1.5 miles of an allotment to the southwest. The second allotment is about 3 miles northeast of the fire.
Because the fire is near the heavily traveled Yukon River boating and aviation corridor, its smoke is visible to both boaters and aviators.
Contact Public Affairs Specialist Beth Ipsen at Elizabeth_ipsen@ios.doi.gov or (907)356-5510 for more information.
-USWFS-
U.S. Wildland Fire Service, P.O. Box 35005 1541 Gaffney Road, Fort Wainwright, AK 99703
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Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, US Wildland Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 