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Lightning caused Brown Mountain fire Tongass National Forest fire danger is very high KETCHIKAN, Alaska–Lightning storms started several fires on the Tongass National Forest. One is in the Brown Mountain area on the Ketchikan Ranger District.
Lightning fires are very unusual on the Tongass. This is an indication of how dry the forest is. The fire is located in steep, rugged terrain which is preventing firefighters from reaching its location. A fire crew sent to Brown Mountain Thursday evening searched for several hours but could not find a safe route to the fire. A helicopter
was assisting the crews and made several water drops on the fire. “The top priority in all suppression actions on the Tongass National Forest is public and firefighter safety,” said Forest Fire Management Officer Tristan Fluharty. “Managing risk to firefighters is one of the most important things we do,
and in this instance the risks did not warrant taking further action. We will monitor the fire and take appropriate action if the fire progresses.”
High temperatures are forecasted for the Tongass National Forest through the Memorial Day weekend. Tongass fire officials are asking that all area residents be cautious with any open fire activities. If you do have any type of a fire, do
not leave it unattended at any time, and please make sure you take the time to put it completely out. For more information about forest fires, contact your local Forest Service Ranger District or Forest Fire Management Officer, Tristan Fluharty by phone at 907-228-6223 or e-mail
tfluharty@xxxxxxxxx. -end- |
