Friday Creek Fire 4:30 p.m.

The Friday Creek Fire remains at approximately 80 acres and has made no gains in size during the last 12 to 20 hours. Division of Forestry firefighters continue to suppress the fire. No homes or cabins are threatened at this time. The west flank of the fire continues to burn in spots at a low rate of spread at this time. MAT-SU– The Friday Creek Fire, located 3 ½ miles south-east of Jim Creek along the Knik River, continued to smolder today, with occasional torching of spruce.  Sparks and embers from torching spruce did not create new fires or spot fires due to the high humidity and occasional light misty rain showers over the whole area.

Division of Forestry firefighters, continue to hot spot the fire, working hot, smoky sectors, putting the fire out with portable water pumps, hose, and hand tools. Burning snags are being felled with chainsaws. The fire remains at approximately 80 acres and was first reported on Sunday. It has made no gains in size during the last 12 to 20 hours.

Fire activity was much less today, and smoke was greatly decreased throughout the whole area. No homes or cabins are threatened at this time. The west flank of the fire continues to burn in spots at a low rate of spread at this time. Most of the fire perimeter remains cool with little visible evidence of heat nor any reported flare-ups at this time.

The Division of Forestry mobilized 10 hot shot crew members and Forestry personnel from Palmer this morning. The fire is being accessed with ATV’s. Issues crossing shelf ice along Jim Creek have been resolved.

Residents are urged to be extremely careful with all open burning as snow melts and dead dry grasses become exposed. Burn permit season begins April 1 and runs through August 31. —End—