Beluga Fire #213
A pilot reported a new wildfire approximately 20 miles west of Susitna at 4:30 p.m.
Friday. The fire was initially estimated at 10 acres and burning actively in spruce and hardwoods. Firefighters responded with helicopters, air tankers, water-scooping aircraft, and eight smokejumpers to slow the fire’s spread and begin suppression efforts on the ground. A nearby creek helped limit the fire’s forward spread, while aviation resources focused on slowing growth along the right flank. By late evening, retardant drops had boxed in the fire, and smokejumpers reported good progress securing the perimeter. The fire has since been mapped at 65 acres and is 25% contained with no structures currently threatened. Smokejumpers will continue working on the fire today to strengthen lines and address remaining heat. Plans to insert Mat-Su Crew to assist smokejumpers towards containment.
Trapper Fire #214
Following multiple reports of smoke columns from aircraft near Talkeetna, a Division of Forestry & Fire Protection helicopter responded to investigate several reported
locations. One new fire was located and estimated at 0.1 acres, burning in hardwoods between a river and a slough. The fire was smoldering and receiving light precipitation, resulting in minimal fire activity. A nearby cabin was identified a short distance from the fire. With several additional new fire starts reported across the area and this fire showing little potential for growth, the helicopter was reassigned to higher-priority incidents. The fire will continue to be monitored and evaluated as resources become available. A squad from Pioneer Peak hotshots will be inserted to work towards finding and suppressing any heat found upon arrival, with assistance from H181PL.
Papa Bear Fire #215
Following multiple reports of smoke columns from aircraft near Talkeetna, a Division of Forestry & Fire Protection helicopter responded to investigate the reported locations. Upon arrival, the helicopter observed only light, wispy smoke with no visible flames or active fire behavior. With several additional new fire starts reported across the area requiring immediate attention, the helicopter was reassigned to higher-priority incidents. A squad from Pioneer Peak hotshots will be inserted to work towards finding and suppressing any heat found upon arrival, with assistance from H181PL.
Birch Fire #216
A smoke column was reported south of Talkeetna by passing aircraft, prompting a
Division of Forestry & Fire Protection helicopter to respond for detection. Upon arrival, the helicopter located a small fire estimated at approximately 1 acre on a ridge, with about 30 percent of the perimeter active and moderate potential for spread. With several additional new fire starts reported across the area and higher-priority incidents emerging, the helicopter was reassigned. A subsequent check at
approximately 2126 hours confirmed the fire had decreased in activity and was
estimated at 0.4 acres, with about 20 percent of the perimeter active. The fire was
backing downhill in mixed hardwoods and brush with low flame lengths, and no values were reported to be threatened.
Kahitna Fire #217
A Division of Forestry & Fire Protection helicopter located a new lightning-caused fire
approximately 8 miles south of Talkeetna. The fire was initially estimated at 0.1 acres, burning in grass and mixed hardwoods. Four structures were identified approximately one-half mile from the fire. The helicopter immediately began bucket drops, successfully reducing fire activity before ground resources hiked into the site. Upon arrival, firefighters found the fire measuring approximately 40 by 50 feet, burning primarily in cottonwoods adjacent to a large slough. Light precipitation helped moderate fire behavior, leaving only a small amount of active fire around the perimeter. Heat remained in the lightning-struck cottonwood where the fire originated. Today, multiple engine crews, a helicopter, and the Mat-Su Type 2 Initial Attack Crew are on scene working to extinguish remaining hotspots.
Parker Fire #218
A Division of Forestry & Fire Protection helicopter reported a new fire approximately 20 miles west of Susitna. The fire was initially estimated at 1 acre with visible smoke along the edge of a lightning cell. Once the lightning in the area had reduced and it was safe to do so, an additional helicopter checked the incident and reported low to moderate potential for spread. A single-engine scooper was diverted from the Beluga Fire (#213) and completed multiple water drops before reporting the fire was primarily smoldering with an updated size of just under 3 acres. A squad from Pioneer Peak hotshots will be inserted to work towards finding and suppressing any heat found upon arrival, with assistance from H181PL.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 