Eureka Roadhouse: Fire Crews Start Laying Pumps & Hose, Bring In Heavy Equipment
Firefighters install hose lays and begin using masticators to remove vegetation north of the Nelchina Glacier Fire BY ALASKA DIVISION O...
Firefighters install hose lays and begin using masticators to remove vegetation north of the Nelchina Glacier Fire
Fire activity on the 750-acre Nelchina Glacier Fire (#226), 4 miles south of Eureka Roadhouse on the Glenn Highway, continues to be active along the northern perimeter and smoke continues to be visible to the public along the Glenn Highway. The fire activity along the southern and eastern sides has been reduced because of the fire’s proximity to the Nelchina River and Eureka Creek drainages and the cooler temperatures and moisture laden fuels associated with those drainages.
Today, fire crews will begin installing pumps and hose lays around structures that are south of Eureka Roadhouse, between the fire’s northern perimeter and the Glenn Highway. This portion of the fire still continues to be very active during the day. In addition to hose lays around structures, fire managers will also begin directing masticators to remove vegetation north of the fire area that could be impacted if the fire activity increases and begins moving to the north towards the Eureka Roadhouse. A masticator is a type of heavy machinery used in forestry or land clearing. It has a rotating drum with sharp teeth or blades and is used to shred, grind, or “masticate” vegetation which helps reduce wildfire risks by managing fuel loads.
An Alaska National Guard Blackhawk helicopter will continue to support suppression efforts with water drops along the northern portion of the fire with it’s 700-gallon bucket, cooling the perimeter of the fire to minimize the fire’s movement towards the north which could potentially impact the Glenn Highway corridor. Engines crews will still be visible along the Glenn Highway between mile markers 120 and 136 as they monitor the fire activity and take advantage of geographical and natural barriers to keep the fire within its current footprint and protect values at risk. A Wyoming based fire module will also support the firefighting efforts on the ground as they continue to monitor the fire’s behavior and current activity within the limited access fire.
The public is encouraged to slow down and stay vigilant when traveling along the Glenn Highway near the Eureka Roadhouse, mile marker 128, as fire crews, masticators and aviation assets will be visible in that area as they continue to work on suppressing the fire while providing for public safety.
