Firefighters have gone on the offensive on the McHugh fire, south of Anchorage, aided by cooler temperatures and a light rain that is forecast to become steady and widespread today. Rainy conditions are expected to continue into next week.
Firefighters are working on steep, rocky slopes littered with downed trees. The rain is loosening rocks so the Seward Highway is open but may be closed temporarily from time to time to clear debris.
The fire has not grown since yesterday and remains at an estimated 842 acres. It’s five percent contained.
Firefighters are still working to ensure the safety of the 122 structures threatened by the fire. Crews have laid several miles of hose, pumps, and sprinklers in the Rainbow Valley subdivision, and are clearing brush and fire fuel around structures in the Rainbow and Potter Valley subdivisions.
Nine crews are working on the fire, including the Tanana Chiefs, Pioneer Peak, and Chena crews.
An air quality health advisory remains in effect due to smoke in Anchorage and Eagle River.
A public meeting is scheduled at South High School at 7 o’clock tonight.
As of yesterday, the total cost of fighting the McHugh fire is 2-point-1 million dollars.