PHOTO: The T’eedriinjik Fire (#380) near Venetie more than tripled in size after exhibiting extreme fire behavior Wednesday night. Firefighters reported the fire was running and torching, with new fires starting outside the main fire perimeter, prompting mobilization of water-scooping aircraft and 12 smokejumpers. While airplanes and a helicopter dropped water on the flames, firefighters were working to get a saw line and hose around the fire to start cooling down the edges.
Firefighters estimated 17.5 acres of new growth Wednesday, adding to the 5 acres they were mopping up. The fire is near a double-track trail 2 miles northwest of the community.
The BLM Alaska Fire Service North Star Fire Crew, a type 2 crew that trains to hotshot standards, is mobilizing to the fire.