Firefighters made fast progress Thursday evening in the Johnson Fire near Salcha, successfully holding the blaze to just one acre. Six smokejumpers worked alongside aircraft that dipped from Harding Lake to drench the flames with multiple water drops.
Quick turnaround time allowed planes to blanket the fire and limit its spread in the early stages. These rapid aerial responses significantly reduced fire intensity during initial operations. The fire started 4.5 miles east of Salcha and two miles south of Johnson Road in a patch containing an old fuel break.
It burned close to black spruce trees, producing moderate activity before air and ground crews controlled it. Water scoopers played a key role in reinforcing the smokejumpers’ containment efforts.
The aircraft operated efficiently out of Harding Lake, located just outside of Fairbanks, allowing for sustained drops over the fire zone. Six smokejumpers will remain at the scene overnight to monitor the fire line and conduct mop-up operations.
No evacuation has been issued at this time, and no homes or buildings are in danger. Officials urge residents to avoid nearby areas, especially where aircraft are actively dipping water to suppress wildfires.
Earlier reports confirmed the fire was burning in an old fuel break, but crews used that location strategically to control its behavior. The coordination between aerial and ground teams helped quickly stabilize the fire.
