Helicopter Drops Water on McRoberts Fire

MCROBERTS CREEK FIRE, MAY 15, 2:30 pm—Some 50 firefighters, supported by helicopters for supplies and water drops, will continue working today on the smoldering McRoberts Creek Fire, located east of the Matanuska River near Butte and north of Back Acres Ave. The Alaska Division of Forestry estimates the fire at 21 acres.

The fire began at last night (May 14), sending up a column of white smoke that drifted over and into Palmer by 10:30 pm.  

Containing the fire will take time as it is located off the road system. To reach the fire, firefighters are using off road vehicles such as a 6X6 Ranger.

A helicopter is dumping bucketloads of water on the fire today. Last night, some 30 firefighters made an initial attack on the fire as it burned in black spruce. The Pioneer Peak Interagency Hotshot Crew worked through the night with some Forestry firefighters and local Butte firefighters from the Mat-Su Borough. Today the Gannett Glacier Fire Crew based in Palmer is returning from McGrath to work the fire.  

Conditions have been so dry that Forestry previously banned burning permits for the area. A red flag warning remains in effect. Warm temperatures of upper 60s to mid-70s and low humidity remain in the forecast. Winds to 10 mph becoming west to southwest this afternoon. The National Weather Service predicts isolated showers by Saturday night.

The fire is human caused. No lightning occurred in the area last night.

The nearby Plumley-Maud Trail is closed for safety.

For more information watch the Alaska Wildland fire Information at http://akfireinfo.com/

Or the Mat-Su Borough facebook page, or the Borough press page at http://www.matsugov.us/news/

Public Affairs Director Patty Sullivan 355-0103 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Or Sarah Saarloos 631-1059, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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