08/25/19 8:45 am Caribou Lake Fire Update

Two additional crews arrived to assist with suppression on the Caribou Lake Fire Saturday. The fire behavior was influenced by wind and terrain features during the day; however, the fire only increased 5 acres in size. The fire is currently 900 acres and 20 percent contained. The Great Basin Incident Management Team 1, Alaska Division of Forestry, and Kachemak Emergency Services held a community meeting at the McNeil Canyon School in Fritz Creek to provide an update on the Caribou Lake, North Fork, and Swan Lake Fires. The meeting can be viewed on KPB Alerts (@KPBAlerts) Facebook page.

On Sunday, firefighters will continue with the full containment strategy by completing control line utilizing natural barriers where possible. North to northwest winds could cause an increase in fire activity on the east and southeast portions of the fire. Additional crews will be arriving on the fire to aid in the construction of fire line and help secure the fire’s edge. Firefighters will continue to utilize aviation resources as conditions and visibility allow.

Weather: On Sunday, winds will prevail from the south-southwest as a weak low-pressure center passes to the south over the Gulf of Alaska. Cloud cover will increase through the day with some afternoon cumulus development possible across the mountains. Temperatures will be in the low-mid 60s. A slight chance for light and isolated showers is possible, but wetting rains are unlikely.

Expect long delays on the Sterling Highway from MP 53 to MP 71 due to fire activity and smoke impacts. Drive with headlights on and yield to fire vehicles and first responders. Travel is not advised Sunday 08/25/19. For the latest road conditions, visit 511.alaska.gov.

Evacuations and Closures: None

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 as a result of a mid-air collision with tactical firefighting aircraft.

North Fork Fire Update: The Alaska Division of Forestry (AK DOF), Kenai-Kodiak Area, announced that North Fork Fire was 100 percent contained on Saturday evening. Crews mopped up, or removed all remaining heat, 200 feet in from the fire perimeter on this 59-acre fire. This will be the last update on the North Fork Fire unless significant changes occur.

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