Nelchina/Eureka Fire Crews Are "Mopping Up"
Continued Progress on Nelchina Glacier Fire as Crews Begin Suppression Repair BY ALASKA DIVISION OF FORESTRY & FIRE PROTECTION on ...
Continued Progress on Nelchina Glacier Fire as Crews Begin Suppression Repair
Crews continued making steady progress on the Nelchina Glacier Fire (#226) three miles south of the Eureka roadhouse yesterday as calm, dry weather supported safe and effective operations on the ground. While stronger winds had been forecasted, actual conditions were much more favorable, with light breezes and clearer skies allowing crews to cover more ground and complete aerial reconnaissance of the fire area. Only a few smokes were visible during the flight, and overall fire activity remained minimal.
Work along the northern perimeter was a key focus, where firefighters mopped up 20 to 40 feet in from the black edge, steadily moving toward the 100-foot objective. Crews also began pulling hose and backhauling pumps, tanks, and fuel from the dozer lines, returning the equipment to staging. This marks an important step as operations shift toward the early phases of suppression repair, which involves assessing and restoring areas impacted by suppression efforts.
Suppression repair is a critical part of the wildfire response process. Once fire activity has subsided, crews begin repairing the footprint left behind by suppression operations—such as dozer lines, handlines, and areas used for staging. The goal is to minimize long-term impacts to the landscape by stabilizing soil, reducing erosion, and supporting natural recovery. This work often happens behind the scenes but plays a key role in protecting watersheds, wildlife habitat, and future land use.
Support for field operations was strengthened with the arrival of a new medic and continued coordination with aviation resources.
