Wildland Fire Safety for Hunters
Incident: Crazy Mountain Complex Wildfire
Released: 8/10/2009
Crazy Mountain Complex
SPECIAL NOTICE: FALL HUNTING SEASON
The Crazy Mountain Complex consists of 4 wildland fires located within Game Management Unit 25 posing special hazards as several fall hunts are scheduled to open Monday August 10th. The Alaska Interagency Incident Management Type II Team urges hunters to use extreme caution when considering this year's hunting activities in the area.
Dangers include but are not limited to the following:
Unpredicted change in fire advancement or direction:
Fire conditions on the complex can change rapidly depending on weather and other factors. Become informed of current fire conditions prior to departure to remote areas within the complex. Hunters should be advised that conditions may change while they are in the field with no advance warning posing a hazard to their safety.
Smoke:
Smoke associated with fires within the complex may contribute to poor visibility for aircraft and other travelers. Changing smoke conditions may contribute to positional disorientation by impeding visibility of landmarks or other hazards. Poor air quality may also contribute to respiratory difficulty especially upon exertion.
Airspace:
Increased air traffic poses a safety hazard beyond smoky conditions. There is currently a Temporary Flight Restriction in (TFR) over the Bluff Creek and Jagged Ridge Fires. Pilots are advised to check NOTAMS for complete information about TFR's.
Road Conditions:
Firefighters and firefighting equipment are located on the Steese Highway from the bridge at Mile 147 to Circle City. There is active fire from Milepost 147 to Milepost 158. There are numerous burned trees along the Steese Highway that have fallen and there may be temporary traffic delays. Drivers are urged to use caution as dust and smoke is limiting visibility. Drive slowly with headlights on and do not stop in areas where the fire is encroaching on the road.
Ash Pits:
Difficult to detect, these pits remain in recently burned areas smoldering below the ground and may be from just under the surface to several feet deep. Most basic First-Aid kits are not prepared to treat the large areas of 2nd or 3rd degree burns which may result.
Unstable or falling trees:
Often referred to as snags, these dead but standing trees have lost their root support and are no longer anchored. Although they may appear stable, the slightest wind or other stimulus may cause the tree to fall.
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