Structure assessment and protection continue on the McKinley Fire Firefighters on the McKinley Fire are continuing efforts today to assess and protect structures on the approximate 4,349 acre fire burning between Willow and Talkeetna. An evacuation order remains in effect for the fire area from Mileposts 82 to 91 of the Parks Highway. The fire […]
Continue reading
Archive by Author
McKinley Fire August 21 Update with Video Update by Operations Chief Branden Petersen
August 21, 2019 
Comments Off on McKinley Fire August 21 Update with Video Update by Operations Chief Branden Petersen
Live – 10am August 21, 2019, McKinley Fire OPerations with Brandon Peterson
August 20, 2019 Comments Off on Live – 10am August 21, 2019, McKinley Fire OPerations with Brandon Peterson
Firefighters on the McKinley Fire are continuing efforts today to assess and protect structures on the approximate 4,349 acre fire burning between Willow and Talkeetna. An evacuation order remains in effect for the fire area from Mileposts 82 to 91 of the Parks Highway. The fire behavior currently remains a creeping ground fire that is […]
Continue reading Final Update for Chetaslina and Long Fires
July 30, 2019 Comments Off on Final Update for Chetaslina and Long Fires
COPPER CENTER, AK – With the increase of precipitation received over the Chetaslina and Long fires in the past several days, fire activity continues to be minimal. Fire personnel will continue to monitor these fires and will conduct another reconnaissance flight in several days once the fuels have an opportunity to dry out. Fire activity […]
Continue reading Chetaslina and Long Fire Update: Why Monitor Fires?
July 29, 2019 Comments Off on Chetaslina and Long Fire Update: Why Monitor Fires?
COPPER CENTER, AK – The local area has received rainfall over the last few days allowing Wrangell-St. Elias to lift the campfire restrictions in the park and preserve. The use of gas grills and barbeques at campsites are allowed. Fire activity on the monitored Chetaslina (#606) and Long (#484) fires remain minimal. Ninety-one percent of Alaska […]
Continue reading Chetaslina and Long Fire Update: No Growth Observed on Fires
July 28, 2019 Comments Off on Chetaslina and Long Fire Update: No Growth Observed on Fires
COPPER CENTER, AK – No growth was observed on the Chetaslina (#606) or Long (#484) fires with minimal if any smoke. Minimal rain was measured in the area on Saturday with additional rain expected for today. National Park Service Fire Management staff in Alaska manage large and long-duration fires by balancing the risks and benefits […]
Continue reading Chetaslina and Long Fire Update: Rain and Cloud Cover Continue to Dampen Monitored Fires
July 27, 2019 Comments Off on Chetaslina and Long Fire Update: Rain and Cloud Cover Continue to Dampen Monitored Fires
COPPER CENTER, AK – The monitored fires in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve continue to burn in the duff soil layer of the forest floor. Duff is a soil type made of dead plant material including conifer needles, moss, leaves, bark, twigs and tree litter. The Chetaslina Fire (#606) and Long Fire (#484) are […]
Continue reading Fire Restrictions Lifted; Public Still Asked to Maintain Vigilance
July 26, 2019 Comments Off on Fire Restrictions Lifted; Public Still Asked to Maintain Vigilance
COPPER CENTER, AK –Based on current and predicted fire activity, the Alaska Multi-Agency Coordination Group decided to lower the Alaska Preparedness Level from 5, the highest, to 4 yesterday. This is due to a decrease in statewide fire activity. Cloud cover and heavy rains have moved into the area and are expected to moderate fire […]
Continue readingCampfire prohibition lifted in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
July 26, 2019 Comments Off on Campfire prohibition lifted in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
COPPER CENTER, AK – With cooler temperatures and much needed precipitation alleviating the severe fire conditions, Superintendent Ben Bobowski announced today that, effective immediately, campfires are again permitted throughout Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. The use of gas grills and barbeques at campsites is also allowed. Most of the park received 0.5” of rain or […]
Continue reading Another Day of Showers Expected; Warmer, Drier Next Week
July 25, 2019 Comments Off on Another Day of Showers Expected; Warmer, Drier Next Week
COPPER CENTER, AK – More rain is expected today as showers continue to move through the Copper River Basin area. An increase in rainfall expected for Friday. Recent precipitation across the south-central part of the state should moderate fire behavior. However, warmer and drier weather conditions forecast for next week will affect how much drying the […]
Continue readingRain Quiets Fires, Temporarily
July 24, 2019 Comments Off on Rain Quiets Fires, Temporarily
COPPER CENTER, AK – Both the Chetaslina (#606) and Long (#484) fires received precipitation over the night moderating fire behavior. More rain is forecast for Thursday, but it will likely not be enough precipitation to put out the fires. The Chetaslina and Long fires are burning deep into the ground, two to three feet in […]
Continue reading
