Monitoring and Structural Assessments on Gilahina Fire

Monitoring and Structural Assessments on Gilahina Fire

The following press release was published by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service on June 15, 2011. It is reproduced in full below.

Fire Information Phone Numbers: 907-960-1024 cell

Email: gilahinafire@gmail.com

Inciweb Address: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2773

National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/wrst/parkmgmt/currentfireinfo.htm

Monitoring and Structural Assessment on the Gilahina Fire

(Copper Center, AK) -A Firewise assessment of structures from Long Lake to Chikosna along the McCarthy Road will be conducted today through Friday by Division of Forestry crews in conjunction with the Strelna and McCarthy Volunteer Fire Departments.This assessment will evaluate defensible space and other risks in order for fire managers to plan how these structures might be protected in the unlikely event that the Gilahina Fire becomes active outside existing boundaries.

Combined with these efforts, aerial surveillance of the fire will continue until fire behavior no longer posses a threat.

Residents and businesses along the McCarthy Road corridor are reminded that this region of the state remains abnormally dry and the minimal precipitation experienced recently has not lowered the fire danger.

During the 2011 fire season thus far, 323 fires have consumed263,152 acres statewide.

News releases will be distributed when there is any significant news about the Gilahina Fire.The Inciweb and National Park Service websites will continue to be updated when new information is available.The State of Alaska Division of Forestry and National Park Service are managing this fire cooperatively.

The Gilahina Fire is five miles north of the McCarthy Road.There are no restrictions on the McCarthy Road.Pilots are reminded to watch for fire related helicopter and fixed-wing traffic, and be aware of the possibility of heavy smoke.The local victor frequency is 122.90.

For more information about fires statewide, contact the Alaska Interagency Fire Information Center at 907-356-5511, or visit http://fire.ak.blm.gov/.

Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service

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