6/23/19 7:00 P.M. Swan Lake Fire Activity Increased Today

Due to an increase in fire activity, the Swan Lake Fire, pushed by a north-northwest wind, moved toward the Sterling Highway corridor, crossing established fireline on the southern perimeter. The fire is estimated to be 2 miles from the Sterling Highway. Firefighters were moved to safe areas as smoke obscured the location of the flaming front. 

In the interest of public safety, the Alaska Interagency Management Team asked for traffic to be delayed between Mileposts 58 and 75. As the Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska Department of Transportation were moving into place it became apparent that the fire would not reach the highway Sunday evening and traffic was allowed to resume. Motorists must be cautious on the highway as smoky conditions reduce visibility. Please drive cautiously, use headlights, and give the right-of-way to any fire traffic in the area.

Smoke Column as seen from an fire aircraft.
Photo credit: Casey Lasota/Alaska Incident Management Team

The weather has been hot and dry with persistent winds from the northwest. This hot and dry weather pattern is expected for the next several days. The public needs to remain vigilant. This is a very dynamic situation that can change rapidly. Allow plenty of extra time to reach your destination. Skilak Lake Road is a narrow gravel road and should not be considered as an option for recreation vehicles, fifth-wheel trailers and semi tractors with trailers.

At the request of fire managers, Homer Electric was asked to de-energize the transmission line that connects Bradley Lake Hydroelectric facility to the rest of the Railbelt utilities. This action will not affect consumer power on the Kenai Peninsula or utilities to the north. It is unknown at this time when the line will be re-energized. 

Swan Lake Fire photos from Sunday June 23rd. Courtesy of Casey Lasota/Alaska Incident Management Team

Swan Lake Fire photos from Sunday June 23rd. Courtesy of Casey Lasota/Alaska Incident Management Team

Swan Lake Fire radio repeaters from Sunday June 23rd. Courtesy of Casey Lasota/Alaska Incident Management Team

Swan Lake Fire photos from Sunday June 23rd. Courtesy of Casey Lasota/Alaska Incident Management Team