Fire Preparedness & Fire Update
Incident: Railbelt Complex Wildfire
Released: 8/3/2009
The Fire Weather Watch that was issued for today and tomorrow may bring the relative humidity down to 15%. When relative humidity gets that low in Alaska extreme fire behavior can be expected. The entire southern flank of the Railbelt Complex has been burning actively for the last several days. So far, fire managers have been successful in keeping the fire from crossing the Teklanika River and spreading to the southeast. With relative humidity down to 15% the spotting potential of the fire is greatly increased. Fortunately, winds are predicted to be out of the east which would carry embers away from the Teklanika River. Wind direction in the central interior of Alaska can be variable and switch directions quickly.
Why is it important for homes to be prepared in advance of a fire When a severe wildfire spreads, it can expose dozens - sometimes hundreds - of homes to fire simultaneously. In cases such as this, firefighters may not be able to deploy resources quick enough to defend every home. Homeowners who take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of home ignition during a wildfire have a far greater chance of having their homes survive. The following are steps you can take to reduce a home's vulnerability:
·· Prune all trees so the lowest limbs are six to 10 feet from the ground and remove dead or overhanging branches to a distance of 100 - 200 feet from your home.
·· Remove leaves and pine needles from gutters and around your home and attachments, such as decks and fences.
·· Work with firefighters and other fire management teams to develop emergency plans. When a severe wildfire is spreading toward homes; is not the time to develop protection plans.
There are no guarantees that a home will be fireproof. But if you take action to be firewise, you can greatly increase the chances that your home will withstand a wildfire.
The Incident Command Post (ICP) is located at the Nenana Student Living Center. Local residents are welcome to call or visit us at the ICP. Information updates are posted on bulletin boards in and around the Nenana area. Information on how local residents can help protect their property from wildfire is available at the ICP. Current information is posted on the Inciweb site at http://www.inciweb.org/. You may also contact the Railbelt Complex Information Office via email at: mintoflatsouthfire@gmail.com. For a statewide perspective on the current fire situation you can view the AICC website at http://fire.ak.blm.gov/content/news/highlights/current.pdf. Additional information on Firewise preparedness tips can be obtained at: http://www.firewise.org/index.php
