Smoke was reported Friday evening near the Louise Creek Coal Seam Fire (#038), located about 5 miles northeast of Healy. An engine from Anderson and a Division of Forestry & Fire Protection helicopter responded to investigate.
During an aerial reconnaissance flight, the surface fire was mapped at approximately 71 acres. The most active areas were burning along two ridgetops east of the coal seam. No structures or other values at risk are currently threatened.
The Louise Creek coal seam has been burning underground for years. Coal seam fires can spread into vegetation at the surface during periods of very dry, warm and windy weather. Surface fire spread may be moderated in areas where previous wildfires have burned much of the vegetation.
DFFP has monitored the area throughout the summer. Surface fire activity was first reported this year on May 8. Helicopters dropped water on the fire May 15, and later patrols found little or no visible flame. By late June, the surface fire was estimated at approximately 1 acre.
Coal seam fires create noxious gases and unstable ground, making direct firefighting near the seam unsafe. Suppression efforts focus on safely containing the surface fire.
The helicopter also patrolled other known coal seams in the area Friday. No additional smoke or fire activity was observed. DFFP will continue monitoring the Louise Creek Coal Seam Fire.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 