Susitna Fire Partially Contained

The Susitna fire, sparked by lightning on Sunday, is about 40 percent contained as of Tuesday morning. It is located about four miles west of Willow Airport and just east of the Susitna River. 

The fire was one of three that started on Sunday, all caused by lightning. More than 7,000 strikes were recorded State-wide that day. 

The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection reports that the fire is about one acre in size. The Chugachmiut (CHOO-gatch-myut) Denali Suppression Module, a crew of 10 firefighters, continued suppressing the fire through Monday night. As of Tuesday morning, they completed the chainsaw fire line. 

The crew is also cold-trailing, which is grid-searching the area and touching the ground to find hot spots. Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection Information Officer Sam Harrel says the crews do this to be sure they don’t miss anything that might ignite again later.

Crews will remain on site until the fire is completely contained and fully out.