9/8/19 - 11:00 AM - Swan Lake Fire Update

Significant Rainfall Measured Over Fire

Significant rain fell across the fire perimeter overnight. One-half inch fell over the fireline with .6” being reported in Cooper Landing. Rain and cloud cover have resulted in little fire activity. The fire continues to smolder in the duff. Occasional single tree torching may occur in the afternoon.

Firefighters continue to patrol and mop up fire control lines near west flank of fire near Sterling, east flank of fire by Fuller Lake and Resurrection Trail, Sterling Highway and Skilak Lake. Firefighters in the southeast area of the fire removed some tree canopy over hot spots to allow rain to soak in.

Firefighters continue to work near the Sterling Highway. Be alert while driving to keep you and the firefighters safe.

Caribou Lake Fire: The fire is 25 miles northeast of Homer, remains at 870 acres, with 94% containment and 41 firefighters assigned. The reduction in acreage is due to more accurate mapping. It is anticipated that all firefighters will be released from this fire by the end of shift on Sunday. It is expected to be 100% contained by the end of shift today.

Helicopters began “back hauling” equipment and supplies from the Caribou Fire. “Back hauling” is the process of hauling equipment and supplies no longer needed on the fire back to camp. These resources will be placed in fire cache to be used on a future fire.

Fire Team Transition: Transition to the Northern Rockies Team 4 begins today, shadows the team on Monday, and takes delegation of the fire Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. 

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.