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This blog is maintained as an effort to coordinate and collocate responding agencies' information for easier public access during events on the Kenai Peninsula. The information here is written and provided by the contributing agencies. NOTE: The blog will be updated as the need arises and may be dormant at times.

Thursday, September 5, 2019

9/5/19 - 10:30 - Swan Lake Fire Update


Management Team Prepares for Transition

The Great Basin Incident Management Team’s time on the Swan Lake Fire will conclude early next week. To prepare for transition, the team has been assessing the future complexity of the fire with their long-term fire analysts, meteorologists, and fire managers. The decision has been made, in cooperation with local agency administrators, to bring in the Type II Northern Rockies Team 4.

“We are already in communication with the incoming incident management team, sharing information with them,” said Marty Adell, Incident Commander. “Many firefighters, air resources and equipment will remain through the transition and will continue to work with the new team. Our team is committed to ensuring that the new team will be successful.”

The incoming incident management team will arrive over the weekend, work together with the current team on Monday, and be in command of the fire next Tuesday morning.

Overview: A quiet weather pattern will be in place over the fire area with extremely light winds and a slightly drier humidity level. This weekend, a low pressure system will bring stronger winds on Sunday with the potential for a wetter weather pattern next week.

Cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels, particularly in Cooper Landing, have led to moderated, minimal fire behavior. Crews continue to work to increase defensible space around homes in Cooper Landing. Hand crews will continue to build line and install hose lay on the eastern flank of the fire from south of Trout Lake to Shaft Creek. Helicopter bucket drops will continue to be used heavily in this area to prevent spread towards Cooper Landing.

Firefighters have completed four miles of fire containment lines from the Russian River to Surprise Creek. Yesterday, scooper planes dropped water between Hidden Lake and Skilak Lake Loop Road. Due to safety concerns and firefighter activity, Skilak Lake Loop Road will continue to be closed. Crews will continue their work to strengthen the containment line on the western edge of the fire towards Sterling.

The Caribou Lake Fire, 25 miles northeast of Homer, remains at 904 acres, with 92% containment and 78 firefighters assigned.

Restrictions: The area closures for public lands surrounding and including the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Chugach National Forest remain in place to provide needed public and firefighter safety. Information on these closures is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6387/.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): The current TFR in place for air space over the Swan Lake Fire (9/2925 NOTAM) will lessen impacts to local aviation operators. The TFR includes unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, as well. #Swanlakefire


A printable version of the complete update is available at: 
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6387/50881/

A printable version of the complete update is available at:




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