8/31/19 10:00 PM - Chain of Events on the Sterling Highway, August 25

Last Sunday night the Sterling Highway was closed after fire activity picked up near the road. As the highway was being cleared of remaining traffic, some travelers passed through an area where there was very active fire and heavy smoke. After accounts of this spread on social media, many people appropriately asked how this chain of events unfolded. Great Basin Incident Management Team 1 has prepared this explanation. #swanlakefire

8/31/19 7:45 PM - Swan Lake Fire Photos

Clear air on the east side of the fire enabled Canadian Scoopers to utilize Kenai Lake in support of firefighting efforts near Trout Lake and along the Resurrection Trail. #SwanLakeFire

8/31/19 6:30 PM - Swan Lake Operations Update

Crews extinguishing heat sources near the perimeter (mopping up) are taking full advantage of the rain and cooler weather over the fire. Reduced fire behavior allows firefighters to focus on the tasks at hand without as much concern about fire spread. The increased moisture reduces the effort required or directly extinguishes some materials. More moderate temperatures also reduce the potential for heat related illnesses and related hazards. 

Firefighter mops up smoldering fuels on the Swan Lake Fire

8/31/19 4:00 PM Sterling Highway Travel Tips - Come to the Kenai

Kenai Peninsula residents have faced a travel challenge for many days now due to the impacts of the Swan Lake Fire.  But there are some things you can do to make the trip across the Sterling Highway through Cooper Landing more tolerable.

8/31/19 2:30 pm Sign up for KPB Alerts

Director of the Borough Office of Emergency Management Dan Nelson, says the Swan Lake Fire is a good reminder to sign up for KPB Alerts and the Alaska State Trooper's NIXLE alerts and he talks about what each is for.

Because fire activity has slowed, the Borough call center is reducing its hours to 8 am to 8 pm.  www.KPBOEM.com and KB Alerts on Facebook are still the primary sources of information.

8/31/2019 2:15 PM Peninsula Kids Thank the Firefighters.

The Kenai Peninsula Boys and Girls Club made 2 banners to show their support for firefighters battling the Swan Lake Fire. In case you missed it, they also created cards and beautiful artwork. Check out the Facebook album to see them all https://tinyurl.com/postcardsalbum.

Fire personnel have come from all over the country to support the Swan Lake Fire. The artwork and cards are going to be printed into postcards for the firefighters to mail home, however, the firefighters have no access to stamps. If you would like to contribute stamps, you can drop them off at Wildman’s in Cooper Landing (19194 Sterling Hwy) or at Central Emergency Services (CES), Station #1 in Soldotna (231 S Binkley St). 

8/31/19 12:15 PM Smoke Outlook for 8/31 - 9/01 Alaska South

Fire
Southcentral Alaska is being impacted by the smoke from wildfires in the surrounding area. A listing of activity for specific fires is available at: https://fire.ak.blm.gov/, AICC Situation Report. The smoke outlook report is below.

For a PDF version of the smoke outlook, click here: https://tinyurl.com/smoke8-31

Smoke
Susitna Valley: Smoke in the area will continue to decrease throughout the day with shifting winds and rain showers. Anchorage Area: Air quality will continue to improve today
with rain showers and increasing winds.
Kenai Peninsula: Cooper Landing's air quality improved dramatically with the weather change. Expect mostly Good air quality to continue there today and tomorrow. Easterly winds
will continue to push smoke produced by the Swan Lake fire to the western side of the Peninsula towards Sterling, Soldotna,
and Kenai. Rain showers and decreased fire activity should help to moderate smoke impacts to these communities.

Health
If you begin to notice health effects from smoke, you are
encouraged to follow the "actions to protect yourself" listed
below.

08/31/19 - 10:45 am - Swan Lake Fire Update

A Fire Boss scoops water for dropping near the Resurrection Pass Trail.

Swan Lake Fire - August 31, 2019 Update

Weather: The leading edge of a low pressure system arrived over the area late Friday afternoon bringing much needed rain.  Intermittent light rain and cooler temperatures are expected today with the rain and wind intensifying tomorrow.  Anticipated rain amounts will reduce the burn potential for exposed fine fuels and rapid surface spread. Large fuels and those sheltered under the tree canopy will likely not be dramatically affected. For example, last night personnel observed a tree torching in the rain.

Holiday Travel Advisory: Expect delays on the Sterling Highway between Sterling and the junction with the Seward Highway.  Fire weakened trees and increased winds present an imminent hazard. The Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management has the latest information at kpboem.com, on Facebook at KPB Alerts and at their call center at 907-262-INFO (4636).  

Cooper Landing: Yesterday, fire behavior generally mimicked the pattern observed on Thursday.  Moderate activity occurred in the morning under clear skies. First smoke and later cloud cover obscured the sun, diminishing afternoon fire intensity for many areas. Crews resumed extending containment lines and reducing fuels around three cabins along the Resurrection Pass Trail.  Single engine air tankers (Fire Boss/scoopers) assisted them and the area south of the Kenai River with water drops for much of the afternoon. Around Cooper Landing, the structure protection group and local fire department personnel continued preparing developed areas to withstand a fire advance should it occur. The remainder of the resources assigned to the east side of the incident focused on further reinforcing lines to keep the fire within the existing perimeter (mop up).

Cooper Landing remains in a SET evacuation status.

Sterling: Fire fighters on the west side of the fire were primarily engaged in reinforcing established containment lines (mop up) south of the highway.  A contingent also began identifying and cutting fire-weakened trees that could present a hazard to motorists on the Sterling Highway and Skilak Lake Road.  Structure protection measures are in place.

The READY evacuation status for affected Sterling neighborhoods remains in effect.

Operations today will largely be a continuation of yesterday’s activities. The cooler, moister conditions and the expected reduced fire activity through the weekend should boost progress.

Closures: The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Chugach National Forest have issued comprehensive area closures for public lands surrounding and including the Swan Lake Fire to provide needed public safety.  The orders and accompanying maps are available at local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Chugach National Forest offices and online at http://kpboem.blogspot.com/2019/08/082919-kenai-national-wildlife-refuge.html

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is in place for air space over the Swan Lake Fire (9/7677 NOTAM) and was expanded August 31 (9/1493 NOTAM). The TFR includes unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, as well. Flying drones near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters as a result of a mid-air collision with tactical firefighting aircraft.

For a printable version of the complete update, click here:
For a printable version of today's map, click here:

8/31/2019 10:45 AM Combined Emergency Closure Map and visitor information

The map shows the Combined Emergency Area Closure from the Swan Lake Fire which has been put in place for public safety. With a fire come a unique set of hazards. Please observe the closure boundary and use caution if visiting the Kenai Peninsula.

Click here for a PDF of the map and handout: https://tinyurl.com/handoutmap

8/31/2019 9:45 AM Labor Day Traffic on the Sterling Highway

Traffic continues to move along the Sterling Highway. Both lanes are open in both directions with the escort of pilot cars. While unnecessary travel along the highway was previously discouraged, the onset of rain has allowed fire activity to slow over the last 12 hours.

Traffic stopped at one of the traffic control points on the Sterling Highway

Motorists are still urged to use caution and prepare for longer than usual drive times, but traffic is consistently moving. A pilot car will continue to provide an escort through the fire area as there are numerous hazards along the highway. Many businesses on the Kenai Peninsula are open for Labor Day and rain may help clear smoke from the air.

The fire is still active and emergency officials and fire managers are monitoring conditions closely and will provide updated information to the public and communities if anything changes.

A map showing the temporary traffic plan and the traffic control points

8/31/2019 Swan Lake Fire Public Information Map

Good morning, attached is today’s public information map for the Swan Lake Fire. The fire remains at 162,179 acres and is now at 28% containment. Early reports this morning are that some areas of the fire have gotten 1/4″ of rain. While the weather the next couple days will moderate fire behavior, please keep in mind that it will take several inches to have a real impact on the fire. Still, the rain is welcome news to firefighters.

A link to a printable map is available here. 

8/30/2019 9:30 PM Caribou Lake Fire containment increases to 85 percent

Photo by Courtney Moody, Kachemak Emergency Services (KESA)

On the evening of August 30, containment of the Caribou Lake Fire increased to 85 percent. The fire is being managed with a full suppression strategy with a goal of 100 percent containment by September 4, 2019. Crews will continue to hold and improve control lines until it is 100 percent contained. Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor the fire until it is out.  Smoke may be visible from within the interior of the fire perimeter until there significant and repeated rain or snow.

Visit InciWeb for the latest information about the Caribou Lake Fire or AK Fire Info for the current information about wildfires across Alaska.

8/30/2019 8:15 pm Despite The Fire, Kenai Is Open To Visitors

In contrast to the last week when travel on the Sterling Highway was strongly discouraged, things have changed with the weather.  While there are still delays on the highway at mp 40 and 71 and only one lane with pilot cars, travel along the Sterling Highway corridor is not a problem. Good news for those wanting to spend a holiday weekend on the Peninsula.

Labor Day weekend is upon us and its traditionally a big weekend on the Kenai Peninsula! Despite the Swan Lake and Caribou Fires, there are still many opportunities for you and your family to enjoy yourselves in the Kenai Peninsula Borough!

8/30/19 8:30 pm Incident Meteorologist Jeff Tonkin Talks Fire Weather

Due to some audio issues at tonight's community meeting in Sterling, the Incident Meteorologist Jeff Tonkin provided another live look at the fire weather that can be expected over the next few days.

8/29/2019 7:15 pm Letters and Drawings for Swan Lake firefighters

As part of a community service project with the Police Activities League (PAL), local children from the Boys and Girls Club of the Kenai Peninsula made notes and drawings for firefighters. They will be displayed at fire camp. Additionally, the borough has decided to print the artwork to postcards for firefighters to mail home about their time in Alaska. Here are a select few of the beautiful drawings and letters! To see them all, check out the album on the KPB Alerts Facebook Page.

8/30/19 5:30 pm Swan Lake Fire Operational Update

A Fire Boss that scoops through pontoons but drops from the belly.
These have been working around the Resurrection  Pass Trail northwest
of Cooper Landing

Firefighters have been working to make public roads safer by working to address hazard trees across the roadways. This work has been completed on the southwest corner of the fire towards Sterling, along the Sterling Highway, and Skilak Lake Road.

A Fire Boss that scoops through pontoons but drops from the belly. 

These have been working around the Resurrection  Pass Trail northwest 

of Cooper Landing

Crews are on the ground in the Resurrection Trail area. Multiple single engine aircraft are working around Trout Lake to scoop water and use it on the eastern edge of the fire towards Cooper Landing

8/16/19 3:30 pm Swan Lake Fire Progression Map

Good afternoon! As a reminder, we have a community meeting at the Sterling Community Center tonight at 6:00 pm. We will be sharing the meeting tonight on the KPB Alerts Facebook page.

Attached is map that shows the progression of the Swan Lake Fire. A high quality, printable version of this map is available here: available here.

8/30/19 2:50 pm Property Owner Firewise and Hazard Tree Removal

For a PDF of this Borough policy,
to email or print, click here:
https://tinyurl.com/KPBFirewisePolicy

The Kenai Peninsula Borough is a neighboring landowner to many private property owners. The borough also encourages property owners to firewise their properties and encourages landowners to take proactive steps for the removal of hazard trees including beetle killed spruce.

It is the policy of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Land Management Division that property owners may limb, brush, and thin vegetation on vacant borough land within 100 feet of private structures as part of overall firewise measures without requiring special permission from the Land Management Division.

It is also the policy of the Kenai Peninsula Borough that property owners may remove standing trees from vacant borough land that pose a direct threat of damaging private property by falling, such as beetle kill spruce along fence lines, driveways, or near buildings, without requiring special permission from the Land Management Division. For more information call 907-714-2205.

These policies are made as interpretation of KPB 17.10.250 (C) Casual Use.

For more information on Firewise in Alaska, click here: https://tinyurl.com/AKFirewise

Other Firewise information can be found at:
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire

8/30/19 2:00 pm Sterling Highway Update

The Sterling Highway remains open at this time. Traffic is still moving with the escort of a pilot car but drivers should plan for varying wait times of 40 minutes to several hours. Heavier traffic is anticipated over the holiday weekend.

Remember that conditions can change at anytime so be prepared with food and water. Updated information can always be found on this blog or on KBP Alerts Facebook Page.

The following photos show conditions along the highway around 6:00 PM last night.

Some areas along the road display burned black spruce, some laying down near the roadway. Crews have been working to ensure these trees do not impede the highway. Photo: Jeff Pfile

Traffic has been flowing relatively smoothly between MP 40 and MP 71. Waits have been 40 minutes to an hour

Cars move through the smoke past one of the checkpoints on the Sterling Highway. Photo: Jeff Pfile

Cars move past one of the checkpoints on the Sterling Highway. Photo: Jeff Pfile

Some areas along the road display burned black spruce, some laying down near the roadway. Crews have been working to ensure these trees do not impede the highway. Photo: Jeff Pfile

There are large areas within the fire that are burned, others that are not burned at all and some that are lightly burned. There are many trees laying on the ground that are still green, most of which were burned at the roots and merely fell over. Photo: Jeff Pfile

8/30/19 11:20 am Ted Spraker on Hunting CLosures

With hunting seasons already open and more opening soon on the Kenai Peninsula, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game is encouraging hunters to be aware of fire conditions in the Swan Lake fire area (Unit 15A) and the Caribou Lake fire area (Unit 15C). 

ADF&G has not issued any emergency orders closing hunting opportunities on the Kenai Peninsula; however, hunters in Unit 15A should be aware of emergency area land closure orders from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service for portions of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and the Chugach National Forest- Seward Ranger District, along with potential highway closures or long delays which may impact travel to other areas of the Kenai Peninsula. There are no land closures in Unit 15C associated with the Caribou Lake fire, but hunters should give fire crews plenty of space.

• Hunter may face:
• Road closures due to fire activity
• Poor visibility or air quality from smoke
• Downed trees
• Getting caught in the paths of rapidly moving fires
• Ash pits can form and stay hot under the surface where trees have burned
• Trucks and trailers left near fire perimeters could impede firefighting activity or even become vulnerable to fire.

When in camp, hunters should be aware that burn bans are also in effect across the Kenai Peninsula borough because of the wildfire danger and active fires in the area. All burning, including campfires and the use of charcoal grills, is currently prohibited, including campfires in established fire pits or rings in designated campgrounds. 

08/30/2019 - 10:00 am - Swan Lake Fire Updatre

A community meeting will be held tonight at the Sterling Community Center,

August 30, 2019 at 6:00 pm.

Firefighter mopping up (digging out burning material to extinguish it)

Holiday Travel Advisory: Expect Delays on the Sterling Highway between Sterling and the junction with the Seward Highway to continue through the weekend. Swan Lake Fire suppression activities and dense smoke have restricted travel on this route recently. There are checkpoints at mile 40, mile 53 and mile 71. Westbound vehicles coming from the east (Anchorage or Seward), will be stopped at mile 40 to wait for a pilot car. Anticipate delays of 40 minutes up to several hours. Westbound traffic will encounter another checkpoint at mile 53 which may not be passed without a pilot car. For those already in Cooper Landing and traveling west toward Soldotna, proceed to the mile 53 checkpoint and wait until the next pilot car comes by leading vehicles west and join the line.  Motorists eastbound from Soldotna will stop at the mile 70 checkpoint and wait for a pilot car to lead them through to the east side of the restricted area.  Wait times will be similar to those described above.  It is recommended that vehicles have ample fuel and carry food and water for occupants.  Do not stop along the highway within the fire area. The Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management has the latest information at kpboem.com, on Facebook at KPB Alerts and at their call center at 907-262-INFO (4636).  

Cooper Landing: Fire behavior over the entire area was generally light, partially due to thick smoke enveloping the east side of the fire in the early afternoon.  The Trout Lake-Resurrection Trail area remains  a primary focus on the east flank.  Crews began working this difficult-to-access area; however, safety and logistical support issues limited progress.  Fire managers are reevaluating methods to address those issues and construct containment lines around one of the last areas not completed.  South of the Sterling Highway, crews concentrated on extinguishing remaining heat sources adjacent to the fire perimeter, commonly referred to as mop up. This establishes a wider barrier to stop fire spread.  Around Cooper Landing, the structure protection group in conjunction with local fire department personnel made good progress in reducing fuels and installing outdoor sprinklers around buildings.

Cooper Landing remains in a SET status due to fire activity. All residents should be SET (fully prepared) to evacuate if the situation warrants. If you feel uncomfortable or need additional time, consider leaving before an evacuation notice. The Cooper Landing School is also closed.

Sterling: Today’s increase in completion is primarily due to securing the line from the Sterling Highway south toward Skilak Lake on the southwest side of the fire. This work entails extinguishing any remaining burning or smoldering fuels adjacent to the containment lines. Fire fighters on the remainder of the southwestern quadrant are making good progress on similar work.

The Sterling neighborhoods east of Feuding Lane and east of Adkins Road remain in a READY status. A READY notification means residents should be preparing for a potential evacuation should the threat level increase.

Weather: The leading edge of a low pressure system is expected to arrive over the area later today bringing southeasterly winds, cooler temperatures and possible light precipitation in the evening.  This pattern is anticipated to strengthen and intensify with heavier rain and gusty winds peaking on Sunday.  It is also expected to better disperse smoke and provide clearer air around the fire.

Closures: The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and the Chugach National Forest have issued coordinated, comprehensive area closures for public lands surrounding and including the Swan Lake Fire.  These orders will incorporate the previous individual closures as well as new restrictions on public entry and use.  The primary purpose for the closures is to protect the public from significant safety issues such as abundant dead trees ready to fall without warning, ash pits (where fire continues to burn or smolder under the ground surface but is not readily evident) and dislodged materials that can roll downhill, as some examples.  The orders and accompanying maps are available at local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Chugach National Forest offices and online at kpboem.com,

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is in place for air space over the Swan Lake Fire (9/7677 NOTAM). The TFR includes unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, as well. Flying drones near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters as a result of a mid-air collision with tactical firefighting aircraft.

A printable version of the complete update may be found by clicking here. 

A printable version of today's map may be found by clicking here. 

8/30/19 10:00 AM Smoke Outlook - Swan Lake Fire

For a PDF of the Smoke Outlook to print or email, Click here: https://tinyurl.com/Smoke8-30

Special Statement
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Advisory in effect through Friday afternoon for the Susitna Valley, Kenai Peninsula and Copper River Valley.

Fire
Southcentral Alaska is being impacted by the smoke from
wildfires in the surrounding area. A listing of activity for specific fires is available at: https://fire.ak.blm.gov/, AICC
Situation Report.

Daily Average Surface Smoke 8/30

Smoke
Susitna Valley: Swan Lake smoke will linger with inversion over the area. Smoke should start to lift in the afternoon. Rain overnight into tomorrow will improve air quality.

Anchorage Area: Smoke will sit in the area (including Girdwood) today. May see some improvement in the afternoon as inversion breaks. Rain and wind overnight will help clear
smoke out and improve air quality.

Daily Average Surface Smoke 8/31

Kenai Peninsula: Expect smoke impacts to continue today in Cooper Landing and the western side of the Peninsula in
Sterling, Soldotna, and Kenai. Rain and wind should improve air quality overnight. Tomorrow wind direction may continue to
push smoke to the west of the Swan Lake fire.

Health
If you begin to notice health effects from smoke, you are encouraged to follow the "actions to protect yourself" listed
below.

8/30/19 Swan Lake Fire AM Operational Briefing

Rocky Gilbert, Operations Section Chief with the Great Basin Incident Management Team, gives today's briefing on the Swan Lake Fire.

8/30/19 Sterling Highway NON-FIRE closure 10 am UPDATE

UPDATE: The Sterling Highway reopened at 9:30 am

The Sterling Highway is closed at milepost 90, about Jim Dollar & Forest Roads.  This is due to a law enforcement action, not the Swan Lake Fire. No estimate on re-opening.

8/30/19 10:00 AM Caribou Lake Fire Update

This will be the last daily update for the Caribou Lake Fire unless significant activity occurs. Visit InciWeb for the latest information.

The Caribou Lake Fire, located 25 miles northeast of Homer, Alaska, was first reported on August 19, 2019. A load of BLM Alaska Smokejumpers initially responded to the fire to protect the nearly 30 structures that were threatened by the fire. Tactical firefighting aircraft including Fire Bosses, two heavy airtankers, and the local Alaska Division of Forestry helicopter also responded to assist firefighters with both water and retardant drops.

On August 20, smokejumpers, assisted by a dozer, began building fire line on the southern edge of the fire to reduce the threat to nearby structures. The Caribou Lake Fire was active on August 21; moving toward structures as poor visibility limited aircraft support. As visibility improved, aircraft were able to drop retardant to slow the spread of the fire. The Redding Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) was flown to the fire by helicopter, and worked with other firefighters to build control lines. By the end of August 21, the fire had grown to about 800 acres and was 10 percent contained. On August 22, the smokejumpers, Redding IHC, and members of the Kachemak Emergency Services worked with dozers to construct line and complete any necessary structure protection measures.

The Great Basin Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the Caribou Lake Fire on August 23. At that time, the fire was 895 acres and 20 percent contained. Although fire behavior was moderate, the fire was burning actively in the dry grasses and moss due to the ongoing drought conditions. Two Type 2 Initial Attack (2IA) hand crews arrived to assist with suppression on the fire on August 24. The fire increased 5 acres to 900 acres. Nearly 80 firefighters were assigned to fully contain the fire by August 26. The fire received some precipitation; however, the ongoing drought conditions left the vegetation and ground excessively dry. On August 27, fire activity on the Caribou Lake Fire was mostly smoldering and creeping with some isolated single-tree torching. The fire grew four acres, for a total of 904 acres; and remained 20 percent contained. By the end of the day on August 28, firefighters had completed large sections of containment line on the east, south, and west sides of the fire. All of the containment lines were tested by gusty winds, but there was no additional growth. The Caribou Lake Fire remained 904 acres in size; however, the containment has increased to 57 percent. On August 28, firefighters continued to secure existing control lines and mop up to reduce potential for spotting, while working to secure the northern edge of the fire.

Caribou Lake Fire Map - August 30, 2019

No structures have been destroyed to date, and none are threatened at this time. There have been no injuries reported to date on the Caribou Lake Fire. The initial response and ongoing support from Kachemak Emergency Services has been critical for situational awareness and logistical support.

The Caribou Lake Fire is being managed as a full suppression fire with a goal of 100 percent containment estimated by September 4, 2019. Smoke may be visible from within the interior of the fire perimeter until there significant and repeated rain or snow.

Safety: Helicopters and firefighters will be using a portion of the gravel pit parking area on Basargin Road as a helispot in support of the Caribou Lake Fire. Fire officials are asking people to avoid parking in the area near the helispot for the safety of the firefighters and public. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is asking Kenai Peninsula hunters to avoid active wildfire areas.

Weather: The first of two low-pressure systems is expected to move through the area tomorrow. There is a 25 percent chance of wetting rain overnight Friday into Saturday. Saturday is expected to be cooler with scattered showers. The second low-pressure system will move through on Sunday, with wind gusts increasing to 22 mph and a 50 percent chance of rain. A similar weather pattern will move through the area on Monday and Tuesday, but winds will be lighter.

A Dense Smoke Advisory in effect for the Western Kenai Peninsula, including the cities of Kenai, Soldotna, Homer, and Cooper Landing until 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 30, 2019.

Sterling Highway: For the latest road conditions, visit 511.alaska.gov.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is in place for air space over the Caribou Lake Fire (9/7506 NOTAM). The TFR includes unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, as well. Flying drones near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters.

View or print the updated map here: https://tinyurl.com/MapUpdate30
View or print the daily update here: https://tinyurl.com/Update30-8

08/30/19 9:00 AM Sterling Highway Safety Alert

We have been informed of a traffic delay near milepost 89. This delay is unrelated to the fire activity. The Sterling Highway is open this morning and still single lane with a pilot car from milepost 71 to 40. With the expected winds through the corridor, be on the lookout for downed trees in the roadway. 

8/30/19 - 7:00 am - Swan Lake Fire Map

Good morning! Attached is today's map for the Swan Lake Fire. The fire is currently 162,179 acres and is now 27% complete. On the southwest corner of the fire, south of Sterling Highway, a portion of the line is now showing as complete. This means that fire managers feel safe that heat has been extinguished within 30-50' of the fireline.

A printable version of the map may be found here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/…/…/2019_08_30-09.49.05.506-CDT.pdf

8/29/19 10:00 PM Sterling Highway Update

The Sterling Highway remains open tonight with pilot car escorts between mile 71 and 40.  There is a chance Friday's expected wind could cause the fire and smoke to pick up.  The small amount of rain forecast won't put the fire out but it may reduced fire behavior.  We expect the road to continue to have pilot car escorts when its open and there is a possibility of long waits so please be prepared with food and water.

8/29/19 7:00 pm Kenai Peninsula Borough Issues Local Disaster Declaration

8/29 KBP Declaration

The Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) issued a Local Disaster Declaration on behalf of the City of Seldovia and the Native Village of Nanwalek today at noon.  The City of Seldovia has been carefully monitoring water supplies and has implemented conservation methods within the community.

A lack of precipitation throughout the summer has resulted in a rapid depletion of water the communities’ water reservoirs. Water conservation measures have been implemented, and bottled drinking water has been ordered.

The Native Village of Nanwalek has restricted water use and implemented distribution of non-potable water for non-consumption purposes. In addition, Nanwalek has received, and is distributing, bottled drinking water until a solution to the community’s problems can be found.

The KPB’s local disaster declaration initiates a request for a State Declaration. The request to Governor Michael J. Dunleavy asks for activation of state public assistance program to address ongoing emergency needs in both communities.

Declaration News Release

Specifically, the KPB has requested technical assistance and access to state resources in order to keep both communities supplied with water.  The Borough Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is responsible for coordinating the resources and entities contributing to the management of this emergency.

The Kenai Peninsula has seen a lack of rainfall this summer. The Seldovia and Nanwalek area average almost 5 inches of rain during the summer months. This summer the area has received less than 2.2 inches of rain. In addition, record high temperatures throughout southcentral Alaska have contributed to this request for state assistance.






Here is a link to the Emergency Declaration: https://tinyurl.com/8-29EmergDeclaration

Here is a link to the media release: https://tinyurl.com/8-29waterMedRelease