Wildfire Season Is Here

Firefighting aircraft near Chena Pump Road yesterday (5/25/23)

Aaaand, the wildfire season is upon us. Yesterday a fire broke out near Chena Pump Road and Chena Ridge in Fairbanks, Alaska, resulting from a downed tree on a powerline. Four Fire Bosses and a water-dropping helicopter were mercilessly dousing the area while ground crews worked to contain the fire and protect structures and homes nearby. As of 8 pm last night, this fire was contained at 1.2 acres and a structure at risk was saved.

The last few winters, heavy snow and ice led to many broken and downed trees, adding to the fire risk over the summer. Please be cautious out there - I've already seen quite a few people around their homes with unsafe fires, burning brush, or just having poorly contained bonfires. There are enough natural hazards that spark wildfires; human-caused fires are avoidable!

Scene from our front yard this winter - many of these spruce trees have snapped about halfway up the trunk

Trees on the powerlines to our house last winter in the aftermath of a December rain, ice, and snow storm

This is what the majority of our 6 acres looks like now (photo from early May) - we need to clean up a lot of this mess

In addition, the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Service had to post in regard to this fire: "Drones were sighted near the fire area. If drones intrude on aerial operations, all aircraft must disengage and leave area for safety reasons. Please do not fly drones near wildland fires."

I can't believe this has to be said, don't fly drones around aircraft, especially the ones operated by people who are already putting their lives on the line to help save lives and homes!

Big thank you to all the crews that work tirelessly to contain these fires!

You can find more of my recent photos here: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Recent-Photos/