Yenlo Fire crews defend cabin, equipment in remote Skwentna area

Wildfire Reaches Cabin and Equipment 14 Miles North of Skwentna

A 53-acre wildfire burned up to and around a cabin, shipping container, and heavy equipment 14 miles north of Skwentna and 2 miles west of Mount Yenlo, requiring a multi-day aerial and ground response to defend structures in a remote area accessible only by helicopter. Firefighters successfully prevented damage to the cabin, shipping container, and heavy equipment.

The Yenlo Fire (#166) was reported by a passing pilot Tuesday evening approximately 41 miles southwest of Talkeetna. Helitack crews launched from Palmer Area Forestry found a 20-acre fire actively burning in grass, brush, and scattered spruce with single tree torching. The fire threatened a nearby cabin and heavy equipment. Helitack defended the structures as the fire passed by.

Two single-engine water scoopers, a retardant tanker, and an Air Attack coordination plane slowed the fire's growth. That aerial response gave ground crews a chance to reach the remote site. Pioneer Peak Hotshot Crew and Alaska Smokejumpers were inserted by helicopter Tuesday evening. The 34 firefighters worked until midnight cutting sawline and building hose lays. By Wednesday morning, sawline had been constructed around 25 percent of the fire's perimeter.

DFFP reported minimal concern about further spread overnight once aerial resources moderated fire behavior and crews began line.

By Wednesday the crews had completed sawline and hose lays around 90 percent of the fire's perimeter. Light rain Wednesday aided suppression efforts. An unmanned aerial system equipped with infrared cameras flew the fire to locate remaining hot spots and guide crews to them. Firefighters worked into the evening gridding the burned area and surrounding green vegetation.

The fire grew from an initial 20 acres to 52-53 acres before aerial resources and containment lines halted its spread. Alaska Smokejumpers demobilized Thursday and returned to their base at Fort Wainwright. Pioneer Peak Hotshot Crew continued securing the fire and prepared equipment for demobilization Friday. DFFP indicated this would be the last update on the fire unless there is a significant change.