9/7/19 - 10:30 AM - Swan Lake Fire Update

Firefighters Train on Structure Protection

Firefighters completed a successful test of the network of pumps, hoses and sprinklers for structure fire protection in Cooper Landing. Yesterday, firefighters exercised several different fire scenarios. Firefighters were challenged to consider what their actions would be if a building caught fire or if they lost water pressure. 

The After Action Review (AAR) of this exercise allowed firefighters to learn through self-evaluation and from each other’s experiences. While this exercise prepared firefighters for Cooper Landing, it also provided valuable realism that is rarely experienced on the training ground. At this stage in the fire, it is unlikely that the “plumbing” will be needed in Cooper Landing.

Firefighters continue to mitigate hotspots within the fire perimeter. Information gathered by drones provides coordinates allowing firefighters to go directly to hotspots. Progress towards expanding the width of the fireline continues each day.  Excavators will be used to remove trees threatening the Skilak Lake Loop Road.

Caribou Lake Fire: The fire is 25 miles northeast of Homer, remains at 870 acres, with 94% containment and 42 firefighters assigned.

Fire Team Transition: The transition to the next incident management team is a strategic and well-calculated process. Tracking the departure dates of current firefighters and needs for future shifts is a critical part of the transition. The Northern Rockies Team 4 begins arriving tomorrow and assumes command on Tuesday.

Weather: A weather front will move across the Kenai Peninsula late today with light scattered rain expected as early as the afternoon. Widespread rain is anticipated this evening bringing up to a half inch to eastern portions of the fire. The cool temperatures and higher humidity continue to assist in moderating fire behavior. Minimal fire activity is expected.

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/. The Upper Kenai River remains open between Cooper and Sportsman’s Landing from 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

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.

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