The U.S. Forest Service reports the Chugach National Forest fire management staff plan to conduct prescribed fire activities on forest lands near Quartz Creek and Russian River Campgrounds near Cooper Landing beginning in mid-March. Approximately 80 acres are planned for completion during early spring 2022.
Prescribed burning of slash piles created as a result of on-going spruce beetle mitigation and hazardous fuels reduction projects is deemed necessary to reduce wildfire potential and reduce wildfire severity if one were to occur.
Forest Service personnel will be closely monitoring the local environment conditions to work with the National Weather Service to assess weather patterns most favorable to smoke dispersion, minimizing smoke impacts to fire management personnel, the public, populated areas, and highway corridors.
Some residual smoke could be present along the highway corridor in the late evenings and early mornings following prescribed burning activity. Motorists in these areas should exercise caution.
Smoke may be visible in the following areas:
- Sterling Highway, near Mile Post 53, Russian River Campground Road
- Sterling Highway, near Mile Post 45, Quartz Creek Road
Follow @ChugachForestAK for current pile burning and smoke information.