Masticators will begin being utilized on the Nelchina Glacier Fire. Fire activity on the 750-acre Nelchina Glacier Fire (#226), 4 miles south of Eureka Roadhouse on the Glenn Highway, continues to be active along the northern perimeter and smoke continues to be visible to the public along the Glenn Highway. The fire activity along the southern and eastern sides has been reduced because of the fireโs proximity to the Nelchina River and Eureka Creek drainages and the cooler temperatures and moisture laden fuels associated with those drainages.
Fire crews will be installing pumps and hose lays around structures that are south of Eureka Roadhouse, between the fireโs northern perimeter and the Glenn Highway. This portion of the fire still continues to be very active during the day. In addition to hose lays around structures, fire managers will also begin directing masticators to remove vegetation north of the fire area that could be impacted if the fire activity increases and begins moving to the north towards the Eureka Roadhouse. A masticator is a type of heavy machinery used in forestry or land clearing. It has a rotating drum with sharp teeth or blades and is used to shred, grind, or โmasticateโ vegetation which helps reduce wildfire risks by managing fuel loads.
