Nelchina Glacier Fire At Over 4,000 Acres On July 4th As Crews Keep Working
Smoke from Nelchina Glacier Fire (#226) still visible from Glenn Highway as heat persists throughout interior BY ALASKA DIVISION OF FOR...
Smoke from Nelchina Glacier Fire (#226) still visible from Glenn Highway as heat persists throughout interior
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| Map of Nelchina Glacier Fire. View printable PDF |
Fire fighters continue to make good progress towards containment efforts on the 4,003 acre, Nelchina Glacier Fire (#226), 4 miles south of the Eureka Roadhouse along the Glenn Highway.
Today, fire managers will continue to focus their attention on the western perimeter near the left shoulder to keep the fire in check while minimizing the fire’s spread. Crews are working directly on the fire’s perimeter, clearing vegetation down to bare soil to help stop the spread of the fire as they begin to install pumps and hose lays. As they build these control lines, firefighters are also checking five feet into the burned area to ensure no lingering hot spots threaten their progress. These secure handlines will eventually cover a large portion of the fire’s edge to prevent it from spreading west toward the highway or north into the Eureka Creek drainage.
Two bulldozers continue building additional containment lines north of Eureka Creek, off the Glenn Highway. These dozer lines serve as a backup in case the fire crosses Eureka Creek, allowing firefighters better access to place pumps, hoses, and other equipment near active fire areas. Dozers have successfully constructed approximately 3 miles indirect fire line and will continue constructing additional fire line today.
Helicopters are also playing a critical role—dropping water on hot spots and delivering gear and supplies to crews stationed along the fire line. Today, helicopters will deliver additional pumps and hoses to the firefighters for them to take advantage of small ponds that populate the fire area. The helicopters assigned to the incident are multiuse can be quickly converted for medical evacuations if needed, ensuring the safety of firefighters working in remote areas. Helicopters will continue to be highly visible to traffic along the highway corridor.
As the holiday weekend continues, travelers on the Glenn Highway between mile markers 128 and 138 are asked to slow down and stay alert. Fire crews, support vehicles, and helicopters will be working in the area. Expect additional signage and safety patrols along the route to protect both the public and firefighting personnel during this busy time.
