1pm Cooper Landing Update:
Stetson Creek Fire
Acres: 210
Today’s Objectives: Three crews are working to protect high values along the Sterling Highway to the north, the Russian River to the west and the Cooper River to the east. The addition of two crews and favorable weather conditions are aiding suppression.
Juneau Lake Fire
Acres: 488
Today’s Objectives: Yesterday, a 20-person crew and a bear protection agent were flown by helicopter to the Juneau fire. The will work to contain the west edge of the fire to protect cabins along the lake.
General Objectives: Safety of firefighters and the public is the highest priority.
Restrictions, closures: Burn closures are in effect for the Kenai Peninsula. Many fire starts have occurred throughout Alaska over the last two days. Approximately one quarter of those are human starts. Please help reduce fire starts – follow burn closures.
Weather today: Mostly cloudy in the morning, changing to partly cloudy in the afternoon, light winds with a high of 72 and minimum relative humidity of 46%.
11:30 am #CardStreetFire Update:
The #CardStreetFire is now listed at 20% contained with 7,657 acres burned.
17 crews, 3 dozers, 7 engines, 5 water tenders, 3 helicopters, and nearly 400 personnel continue to work.
A community meeting will be held today at the Sterling Community Center beginning at 2 pm.
Current Situation: The Card Street fire continues to burn into 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.
Fire activity was minimal yesterday due to cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Firefighters were able to take advantage of the weather and made progress.
All evacuations were lifted yesterday afternoon. Residents will still see smoke and isolated pockets of heat in the area; firefighters continue to work in the area. Crews continue to construct and strengthen firelines. All heat found within 300 feet of any structure will be extinguished to ensure that it won’t be able to reignite.
There are still state-wide burn bans in place. The Alaska Division of Forestry and the State Forester determined that it is necessary to prohibit 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/.