Crews continue to battle Nelchina and Bear Creek fires

The Nelchina Fire remains active and smoke from the fire continues to be visible from the Glenn Highway near mile marker 128 nearly a week after it broke out.

The fire has grown to 3,000 acres and continues to move to the east where the Nelchina River meets with Eureka Creek as the fire remains active on the northern and eastern perimeters.

According to the latest information from the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection (DOF&FP), fire managers continue to look for natural barriers and areas for opportunity to slow the fire’s spread in an effort to minimize the impact to the Glenn Highway and structures within the fire area.

“Based on the predicted fire behavior, structure protection will continue to be evaluated and improved on a daily basis as firefighters improve and enhance placement of pumps and hose lays near homes south of Eureka Roadhouse,” DOF&FP officials wrote.

Heavy equipment in the form of a masticator has been utilized for fuel reduction between mile markers 129 and 132 has been completed, and will be moved further south on the Glenn Highway to remove additional fuel around structures on state property.

Two UH60 Blackhawk Helicopters from the Alaska Air National Guard continue to play a vital role in suppression efforts on the fire, and 2 medium size air tankers from the Palmer Air Attack Base have also been brought in to assist.

The air tankers were able to place very long continuous lines of retardant on the active fire edge, reducing the fire activity in those areas and meeting suppression objectives. They also delivered multiple loads of retardant well into the night, helping slow the spread of the fire to the north. Air tankers will return to the fire to support resources on the ground as needed.

Members of the community also continue to support firefighters, bringing food, such as home grown beef and moose burger and fresh home grown pork brats and bacon also all the fixings for burgers, Gatorade, and water to the men and women working to put the fire out. “These guys are amazing.”

Others are donating money to pay for food for the crews, showing their support and gratitude. Gunsight Mountain Lodge has been posting on their social media updates of the fire and the generous spirit of community members and guests. “It’s amazing the generosity of everyone supporting our lodge and the fire fighters. Thank you for supporting our lodge and the fire fighters.”

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) continues to be active for all aircraft not assigned to the fire from a 5 nautical mile radius, up and including to 4,000’ Mean Sea Level. For more information and specifics on the current TFR in place please visit www.tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/.

For residents and tourists traveling along the Glenn Highway, traffic continues to be a main hazard for firefighters on the ground, and the DOT&FP asks drivers to slow down. “For the safety of our firefighters, the public is encouraged to slow down between 126 and 134 as crews and equipment will be visible along the roadway as they work towards suppression objectives.”

Meanwhile, to the north, cloudy days assist crews attacking the Bear Creek fire near Healy, which has grown to 26,047 acres, which is a relief after sunny skies and increased breeze intensified fire behavior earlier in the week. DOT&FP states that fire behavior remains primarily creeping, smoldering, and single-tree torching. The forecast indicates a good chance of scattered showers with wetting rain this week while southerly winds will switch to the southwest in the evening.

A bulldozer line is being installed on the north side of the fire to keep the fire from creeping into the agricultural areas to the north, as efforts are continuing to restrict the fire west of the Nenana River on the east side. On the west side, the fire is burning into a previously burned area and is not likely to spread significantly.

Structure work continues in Bear Creek where crews are mopping up and assessing conditions. Water and retardant drops were made in the Washington Drive/June Creek subdivision area to slow fire activity as crews worked in the area on structure protection. This work is expected to continue for at least 2-3 days, depending on conditions.

A community meeting will be held on Thursday, June 26 at the Tri-Valley School at 6:00 p.m. where fire managers will provide updates on operations and fire activity, and attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions.

Evacuations remain in place and unchanged. The evacuation shelter moved from the Baptist Church to the Tri-Valley School in Healy on June 25. For the most accurate information and maps visit the Denali Borough website at www.denaliborough.org or Facebook. You may also call or text the Denali Borough Fire Info line between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. at (907) 378-7985.

Traffic control on the Parks Highway also remains in place for firefighter and motorist safety. Even though fire activity has decreased, there is still fire danger and heavy equipment working along the highway. Expect pilot car escorts and delays. Check road conditions on the Alaska Department of Transportation website www.511.alaska.gov. A temporary flight restriction (FDC 5/8646) is in place for the fire area to protect firefighter safety. Drones are prohibited in this area; any use of drones will ground aircraft and may endanger firefighters.

For more information about Alaska fires on Alaska Wildland Fire Information, please visit www.akfireinfo.com and on social media at AK.Forestry.