8:35 p.m. update:
The fire has spread to cover 20 acres.
Howie Kent with the Division of Forestry the blaze is being fought by a host of fire responders and equipment. “Currently, we have a load of 12 smoke jumpers that are now on the fire. We have one helicopter working the fire currently, and we also have another helicopter en route, and there are two CL-415 scoopers–aircraft that can skim on water and pull from large lakes to drop water–those are currently working in the fire.”
Kent said an additional response is coming, with a 20+ strong hotshot crew on order.
There was speculation on social media that an unattended campfire at Centennial Lake caused the fire; however, Kent says the cause is still unknown.“At this time, the fire is under investigation; we don’t know exactly what the cause is. We do know that we’ve had lightning in the area over the last 10 days. We had a nice dry, warm day today, so it’s possible it could be a lightning holdover, but we’re not 100% sure yet.”
For updates, tune into KSRM 920 AM and 92.5 FM, and follow this developing story at radiokenai.com.
Original Story:
A small wildfire is burning near Tustumena Lake, according to the Division of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Central Emergency Services and DOF personnel are currently on the scene with additional air and ground resources en route. The KPB Office of Emergency Management asks that vehicles on the roads please yield to responding emergency vehicles.
The Tustumena Campground is currently being evacuated. Anyone in the area is asked to follow the instructions provided by emergency personnel.
Fire Management Officer Howie Kent said the fire is approximately 5-7 acres in size and moving Southeast. According to Kent, as of 4:00 p.m. there was “one helicopter doing bucket work” in the area, while other crews and engines were on the way. He said flames were 30-40 feet in length.
A post on the KPB Alerts Facebook page said “The Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management will continue to work with the Alaska DNR – Division of Forestry & Fire Protection – DOF to provide updates as information becomes available.”
