Responders from Cooper Landing Volunteer Fire Department, U.S, Forest Service – Cugach National Forest and the Alaska Division of Forestry stopped the forward progression of the Kenai Lake Overlook Fire (#066) Tuesday evening, May 10. The fire started in the construction area of the Seward Highway bypass, near Cooper Landing.
This morning the fire is estimated to be 4.3 acres with 60% containment. Division of Forestry White Mountain T2 Initial Attack Crew along with a Forest Service engine and Russian River Suppression Module continue working today to mop up hot spots and increase containment.
Smoke rises from the Kenai Lake Overlook Fire (#066) along the Seward Highway near Cooper Landing on Tuesday evening, May 10, 2022. The fire originated in the construction area of the Cooper Landing By-pass area and spread from Kenai Peninsula Borough land onto the U.S. Forest Service – Chugach National Forest. Alaska Division of Forestry assisted local and USFS responders to stop the fire’s forward progression Photo by Alaska Division of Forestry 
Smoke rises from the Kenai Lake Overlook Fire (#066) along the Seward Highway near Cooper Landing on Tuesday evening, May 10, 2022. The fire originated in the construction area of the Cooper Landing By-pass area and spread from Kenai Peninsula Borough land onto the U.S. Forest Service – Chugach National Forest. Alaska Division of Forestry assisted local and USFS responders to stop the fire’s forward progression photo by Alaska Division of Forestry 
An aerial photograph from Alaska Division of Forestry helicopter 930 shows the burned area of the Kenai Lake Overlook Fire (#066) on Tuesday evening, May 10, 2022, after firefighters stopped the forward progression of the fire. The fire originated in the construction area of the Cooper Landing By-pass area and spread from Kenai Peninsula Borough land onto the U.S. Forest Service – Chugach National Forest. Photo by Alaska Division of Forestry 
An aerial photograph from Alaska Division of Forestry helicopter 930 shows the burned area of the Kenai Lake Overlook Fire (#066) on Tuesday evening, May 10, 2022, after firefighters stopped the forward progression of the fire. The fire originated in the construction area of the Cooper Landing By-pass area and spread from Kenai Peninsula Borough land onto the U.S. Forest Service – Chugach National Forest. Photo by Alaska Division of Forestry
USFS fire investigators are are conducting an investigation, the cause is still undetermined. The fire is creeping and smoldering in wood chips and beetle killed timber along the bypass cut. It is estimated crews will be on scene for a least the next couple days.
Another quick response Tuesday evening was to the Swanson River Fire (#065) where a downed tree on a powerline had spread into the grass and trees near the intersection of Swanson River and Robinson Loop roads. Central Emergency Services and Division of Forestry units, supported by a DOF helicopter, extinguished the fire.
A burn suspension remains in place for the Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak Island due to the extremely dry conditions and gusty winds. The area has become highly susceptible to debris burns and burn barrels escaping and spreading from their intended area. Weather forecasts predict this drying trend to continue for the area.
Small campfires, less than 3 feet in diameter, are still allowed but must b in an area with a sufficient fuel break, water nearby and attended by someone until fully extinguished..
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF), Chugach National Forest
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 