The Alaska Division for Forestry, Central Emergency Services, and Alaska State Troopers responded to a wildfire caused by lightning near Watson Lake on Sunday afternoon, June 23rd, just after 4:00 p.m.
According to an online post from the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, smoke was reported near Watson Lake in a full suppression area after numerous lightning strikes. Named the Watson Lake Fire, Alaska DNR—Division of Forestry & Fire Protection—DOF and CES responded with multiple fire engines. As of 5:00 p.m., forward progression had been stopped, and firefighters will remain on the scene to fully extinguish the fire.
Chief Roy Browning with Central Emergency Services said a lightning strike caused the fire, which measured 1/10 of an acre. A CES Engine and two forestry engines were dispatched to the scene. Rain in the area assisted firefighters in containing the fire.
Howie Kent, Fire Management Officer with the Division for Forestry, told KSRM, “We are on a fire there, a little 10th of an acre fire caused by lightning. We have a couple of engines there, and our prevention is on the scene. They’re just working on the fire now. Putting it to sleep here, little mop up, and they should be done here in the next hour or so.”
The National Weather Service forecasts lightning and minor hail for the rest of the day on the Sterling Highway near Sterling and Skilak Lake.
Kent encourages those to report any wildfires they may see in that area: “Now, I understand there’s a lot of lightning around right now, and we’re keeping an eye on things, so if people do see something, definitely have them call it in.”
To report a wildfire call 9-1-1.