Light Rainfall Helps Dampen The Eureka Roadhouse/Nelchina Glacier Fire
Forestry Crew Gets Lighthearted, Showing Off A Birch Bark "Plate"... Apparently The Nelchina Fire Area (Unlike Almost All Of The...
Forestry Crew Gets Lighthearted, Showing
Off A Birch Bark "Plate"...
Apparently The Nelchina Fire Area (Unlike Almost All Of The Rest Of The Copper Valley) Actually Has Significant Birch
Morning rains bring short term relief for firefighters on the Nelchina Glacier Fire (#226)
Light precipitation fell over the fire area early yesterday morning, bringing some much-needed relief to firefighters on the ground at the Nelchina Glacier Fire, 4 miles south of Eureka Roadhouse. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity associated with the passing showers, minimized fire activity and allowed crews to safely continue to construct fine line on both the eastern and western flanks. Firefighters have successfully contained 12% of the fire perimeter. Even with moderated fire activity, smoke may still be visible to the public on the Glenn Highway near mile marker 128 with single tree torching and as islands of unburned vegetation continue to smolder. These events, although visible to the public, pose no threat to the public, to containment lines or to structures along the Glenn Highway.
Today, crews will continue working towards the head of the fire from both the eastern and western flanks. Crews will be constructing additional handline to mineral soil and then begin to install pumps and hoses on the completed line to aid in mop up efforts. With the large accumulation of brush and timber in the fire area, mop up on this incident will be a time-consuming endeavor. Firefighters will secure the fire line and make sure that the burned area within 10’ of the fire perimeter is cold to the touch to keep the fire from creeping into unburned fuels and reigniting. A helicopter staged at Gunsight Lodge, will still continue to support fire fighters on the ground with both water drops and cargo sling loads as crews work the perimeter of the fire.
Two fire spike camps have been established along the eastern and western fire edges. Wildland fire spike camps are temporary, field camps set up near the site of a wildfire to support firefighting crews in remote or rugged areas. These camps are designed to provide firefighters with essential resources, rest, and food, especially when the fire is located far from established facilities or infrastructure. Crews will continue to be supported from the air with the assigned helicopter with food deliveries, cargo support and medical transportation if needed from these spike camps.
Drivers are urged to reduce speed and remain alert while traveling along the Glenn Highway near Eureka Roadhouse, mile marker 128. Fire crews, dozers, and aviation assets will be active in the area as they continue fire suppression efforts and work to ensure public safety.
