Grass Valley Fire Update
The Grass Valley Fire is only active on the west side of its footprint, said Tom Kempton, a information officer who is a battalion chief with the Anchorage Fire Department.
It's a steep area filled with dead trees, he said. The main concern is keeping the blaze from advancing into Miller Canyon, where there are a number of homes spread out, he added. Bulldozers are working to keep the fire out while helicopters are making repeated drops.
“There are small areas where pockets are burning out but there are still lots of hot spots," Kemton said.
He added that firefighters face another problem: “There are a witches brew of hazardous material to deal with.”
Kempton said it's unknown when residents will be allowed back. Gas and electric companies are assessing the damage, making sure to clean up the downed power lines and turn off gas lines to destroyed homes.
“Its going to be some time before we get the power back up," he said.
Altogether, the Grass Valley Fire has charred 1,100 acres. It has destroyed more than 100, and it's threatening 6,000 more. Firefighters believe they have 30-to-40 percent containment.
Working the fire are: 1000 personnel, 65 engines, seven bulldozers, six helipoters and five hand crews.
Four tankers and a Super Scooper plane are working this fire and the Slide Fire.
And help keeps arriving.
“There's more equipment coming up every single day," Kempton said.
-- Matt Wrye
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