06/30/15 12:15 pm Burn Closure Lifted on the Kenai Peninsula

Soldotna, Alaska - By order of the Director’s Office the State Forester has lifted the burn closure on all state, private and municipal land on the Kenai Peninsula. Campfires, charcoal BBQ’s, warming, and cooking fires may be used.   At this time all federal lands are still under the closure order. Kenai Peninsula citizens and visitors must be aware that the “Burn Suspension” is still in effect.  This covers the burn permit system of the Division of Forestry where debris piles and burn barrels are of concern.  Permits holders are reminded to phone the “burn permit call in number” at 907-260-4269 for updated information.  As the Fourth of July weekend approaches all citizens are reminded that the use of fireworks is not permitted on the Kenai Peninsula.  The Division of Forestry and Cooperating Agencies appreciate your cooperation.  Thank you and enjoy your Independence Holiday weekend.  

CONTACT:

Department of Natural Resources

Division of Forestry

Kenai-Kodiak Area Office

Soldotna, Alaska

Dan Govoni

Fire Prevention Officer, 907-260-4260

dan.govoni@alaska.gov

Andy Alexandrou

Public Information Officer, 907-260-4261

andy.alexandrou@alaska.gov

STAY CONNECTED:

DNR Newsroom: http://dnr.alaska.gov/commis/dnr_newsroom.htm

DNR on Social Media:  http://dnr.alaska.gov/commis/social_media.htm

DNR Public Information Center: http://dnr.alaska.gov/commis/pic/

06/30/15 12:00 pm AK DNR Burn closure lifted in most areas but still in effect in Southwest Alaska, Anchorage

NOTE: The burn closure is still in effect in Southwest Alaska and the Municipality of Anchorage. That includes Game Management Units 9, 17, 18, 19 and 21.

(Fairbanks, AK) – Due to recent rainfall and increased relative humidity that has reduced wildfire danger, the Alaska Division of Forestry is canceling a burn closure for most parts of the state effective at noon today.

The closure, which has been in effect for nearly two weeks, is being lifted on state, private and municipal lands in the Kenai, Matanuska-Susitna and Denali boroughs, the Tanana Valley north of the Alaska Range and the Copper River Valley. The closure will remain in effect in Southwest Alaska and the Municipality of Anchorage until further notice.

The areas that remain closed include Game Management Units 9, 17, 18, 19 and 21, which cover most of the area south and west of McGrath, as well as communities on the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers west of Tanana. To see a map of Alaska’s game management units go here.

While campfires and approved burn barrels will now be permitted, a burn suspension prohibiting open debris burning does remain in place in some areas the closure has been rescinded. Check with your local Division of Forestry office for burn suspensions.

The recent precipitation has dampened fire danger and wildfire activity has moderated in many areas but the fires currently burning around the state are not out. Conditions remain extremely dry in the deeper vegetative layers and it will take significant rain to extinguish fires. With that in mind, it is imperative that caution be used with regard to anything that could result in a wildfire this holiday weekend.

Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as you head outdoors this weekend and for the rest of the summer:

• Know where you will be recreating and what the rules are before you head out. There are still burn restrictions in effect on many federal lands.
• If you do choose to have a campfire, keep it small and make sure it is in a spot where the fire cannot spread. If possible, use a gas camp stove rather than an open fire for cooking.
• Never leave a fire of any kind unattended.
• To properly extinguish a campfire, pour large amounts of water or soil on the fire and stir it with a stick or shovel until the entire fire area is cool to the touch.
• Dispose of charcoal ashes in a metal, fireproof container; never dump them in the woods or in a burnable container.
• Obtain a burn permit for any open debris burning and be sure to call the local forestry office or check online (forestry.alaska.gov/burn/) to ensure burning is allowed the day you plan to burn.
• The use of fireworks is prohibited in many municipalities and boroughs. Be sure to check local regulations regarding the use of fireworks in your area.
• Remember, you are responsible for any fire you may start and individuals may be held accountable for suppression costs involved with responses to human-caused fires.

Firefighters in Alaska already have their hands full with the high number of fires currently burning in the state and do not need new fires to contend with, especially when resources are spread as thin as they are right now.

Forecasters are predicting warmer, drier temperatures to return starting this weekend, which could result in the burn closure being put in place again in the future. We are not out of the woods yet when it comes to wildfire danger so don’t let your guard down. Please do your part to make this a safe holiday weekend.

CONTACT: Tim Mowry, Division of Forestry, 907-356-5512, tim.mowry@alaska.gov.

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STAY CONNECTED:
DNR Newsroom: http://dnr.alaska.gov/commis/dnr_newsroom.htm
DNR on Social Media: http://dnr.alaska.gov/commis/social_media.htm
DNR Public Information Center: http://dnr.alaska.gov/commis/pic/

06/29/15 3:30 pm Card Fire Map Update

06/28/15 9:00 am Stetson Creek, Juneau Lake fires management resumed by Chugach National Forest

Cooper Landing – Two wildfires that started June 16, 2015 within 45 minutes of each other, and have been managed by the Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team 4 since June 19, are back under management of the Chugach National Forest.


The Stetson Creek Fire is 90% contained and activity as of June 27 included creeping fire and smoldering.  Minimal fire spread projected in the next 24 hours due to weather and suppression tactics.  A total of 34 personnel remain assigned, including the Bitteroot Type 2 IA and Chugach crews.  The lightening-caused fire burned 212 acres. It started at 6:23 p.m.


The Juneau Lake Fire is 80% contained.  It also was observed to be creeping and smoldering; minimal fire growth is projected for the next 24 hours and is being monitored and patrolled.  Also lightening-caused, the fire burned 580 acres.


For previous information about the fires, go to http://inciweb.nwcg.gov, www.akfireinfo.com, kpboem.blogspot.com.  For pictures of the fires, go to Flickr and search Stetson Creek Fire 2015.

6/28/15 9:00 am Card Street Fire Update

FIRE STATUS Acres Burned:  8,876 Cause:  Human – Under Investigation Structures Destroyed:  11 Evacuations: None Closures:  west end of Skilak Loop Road Containment:  60%

RESOURCES Crews:   9 Engines: 3 Dozers: 0 Water Tenders: 1 Helicopters: 1 Total personnel:  approx. 256 Injuries: 3 (small cut, heat related illness)

Incident Summary: The Card Street fire is in the marshlands and recreation area of Skilak Lake. The fire is established in a full suppression area of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and all actions are being taken to keep the fire at the smallest possible acreage. The fire has burned 8,876 acres since it began June 15 and is now 60% contained.

Current Situation:  Crews continue mop up and rehabilitate firelines around the perimeter. Fire personnel are using hand held infrared devices to detect pockets of heat that can't be detected by the eye; they will marked and extinguished. Isolated pockets of heat will continue to be seen in the interior of the fire.  A total of 256 personnel are assigned to the incident including 12 fire crews, 4 fire engines and 1 helicopters. Resources are being released when no longer needed to assist with firefighting efforts elsewhere.

Burn Restrictions: The Alaska Division of Forestry prohibits the use of all open fires and activities which unduly increase the fire danger.

Until further notice all cooking, warming, signaling fires or any type of fire are prohibited on state lands, including state park units, and private and municipal lands within Game Management Units 7, 13, 14, 15 and 16. The term "open fires" refers to any flame source not immediately extinguishable or controllable and applies to any form of wood or charcoal-based fire, even in established fire rings.  Gas grills, backpacking or camp stoves using fuel or compressed canisters which can be regulated and shut off are still permitted for use.  Fireworks are prohibited in the Kenai Borough. More information can be found at www.kpboem.com or http://akfireinfo.com/.

Weather Outlook: Temperatures are expected to top out at 67 degrees, with cloudy skies and periods of light rain. Winds will be east at 6-9 mph.

Closures: Skilak Lake Road remains closed from the west entrance at the Sterling Highway to milepost 9.3 at the Engineer Lake Overlook.  Lower Skilak Campground and Boat Launch and Bottenintnin Lake day use area remain closed. The road is open on the east end, to the upper Skilak Lake boat launch. Motorists are encouraged to please be cautious of changing fire conditions and fire personnel in the area.  Regular updates can be found on the Refuge Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kenainationalwildliferefuge and the Kenai Peninsula Borough Virtual Joint Information Center at www.kpboem.com. For additional information, please contact the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge office during regular business hours at (907) 262-7021.

Injuries: There have been three minor injuries; a small cut finger and heat related illnesses.

Cooperating Agencies: Alaska Division of Forestry, Alaska State Troopers, Kenai Peninsula Borough, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

06/27/15 9:00 pm Stetson Creek and Juneau Lake fires: Final Update

Stetson Creek Fire
Acres:  212   Containment:  90%

Today's objectives:  All crews are on the fire today for mop-up, rehabilitation of the line and removing surplus equipment. Minimal fire spread is projected for the next 24-hour period due to weather and implementation of suppression tactics.  On Sunday, June 28, the Chugach National Forest will assume management of the fire.

Juneau Lake Fire

Acres:  580   Containment: 80%

Today's objectives:  The fire will be monitored from the air if weather conditions allow for a fly-over. Minimal fire growth is expected in the next 24 hours.  Management of the fire will be turned over to the Chugach National Forest on Sunday.

Resources:  114 personnel are on the Stetson Creek Fire today.  Assigned to the two fires are two 20-person crews, an 18-person module, 3 helicopter support, 18 team and 15 miscellaneous and overhead staff, and one type 3 helicopter.

On Sunday, June 28, 38 personnel will remain on the fires, including the Bitteroot Type 2IA and Chugach.  Crews will be under command of the Forest which will resume management of the fire.

Injuries:  One firefighter sustained minor injuries due to an encounter with a bear. 

Weather:   Saturday, June 27—A cooling trend is moving into the area which will result in lower temperatures and higher humidity for the next 48 hours.


Closures:   Burning closures are in effect for all of the Kenai Peninsula.  No open burning or campfires are allowed.

Campground/Cabin Status:   Cooper Creek South campground reopened Friday, June 26. Today, Saturday, June 27, three of four Juneau Lake recreational use cabins reopen: Romig, Trout Lake and Swan.  The Juneau Lake cabin remains closed for monitoring needs until adequate rain falls in the area.