Alaska firefighters have completed their work on the Little John Fire (#448) near the U.S.-Canada border, while Canadian firefighters will remain on the fire to continue suppression work. The Shovel Fire (#451) near the Chatanika River is contained and controlled.
The Little John Fire (#448) is estimated at 20 to 30 acres and was reported at 70% contained before Alaska firefighters left the area Tuesday. Hose and saw line have been established around the fire. Before departing, firefighters continued working areas of heat and searched for any additional hot spots.
A helicopter picked up the Alaska Smokejumpers Tuesday afternoon and Canadian firefighters will remain on the fire to continue mop up operations. There are no highway impacts or evacuations associated with the Little John Fire.
The Shovel Fire (#451), located just north of Mile 46.5 of the Chatanika River, is contained and controlled. The fire began Sunday evening when a generator caught fire inside an outbuilding and spread into the surrounding wildland.
Two smokejumpers responded, secured the fire, prevented it from spreading to other buildings and monitored it through the night. A boat and operator traveled up the Chatanika River to pick them up. Firefighters returned Tuesday to check the fire and found no visible smoke or flames.
This will be the final update from the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on both fires unless significant activity occurs.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 