A staging area has been set up at milepost 314 of the Richardson Highway to mobilize supplies and equipment for firefighters. Boats are being hired to transport firefighters and haul supplies.
A lightning-caused wildfire threatening multiple cabins on the Salcha River is now estimated at 175 acres but the intensity of the fire has diminished due to cloud cover and higher relative humidity as a result of rain showers in the area, according to the Alaska Division of Forestry.
Two air tankers, two water-scooping aircraft and multiple helicopters were also effective in helping slow the spread of the Mid Salcha Fire with repeated retardant and water drops. Strong south winds that pushed the fire toward the river earlier in the evening also calmed down and the wind is now out of the west.
A temporary flight restriction has been placed over the fire and pilots should avoid flying in the area. To check on specifics of the TFR, pilots should go to:
http://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html
