Southern Alaska continued to experience cloudy, cool weather on Saturday, further reducing initial attack activity with only one new initial attack across the region.
As fire danger moderates across the state, all burn permit suspensions have been lifted statewide. This allows residents to conduct small debris burns, utilize burn barrels, and complete small lawn burns with a valid burn permit. More information about the DOF Burn Permit program and current suspensions can be found at DOF Burn Permit Program.
This report covers fires occurring in the Division of Alaska Forestry & Fire Protection’s coastal protection area, generally south of the Alaska Range. This includes the DOF protection areas of Southwest, Anchorage Mat-Su, Kenai-Kodiak, and Copper River.
The River Bank Fire (#354) -The fire was reported early in the afternoon on Saturday, July 6, 30 miles east of Soldotna along the bank of the Kenai river in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The fire burned 0.1 acre in a limited response area. No action was taken due to the cooler temperatures, wet vegetation, and limited spread potential. The fire poses no threat to the public or surrounding area.
Tustumena Lake Fire (#311)- 20 Miles south of Soldotna, the fully contained Tustumena Lake Fire, with minimal activity observed over the past week is now demobilizing all resources, including the Pioneer Peak Hotshots, and is being placed into monitor status. The recent wet weather, combined with the successful efforts of firefighting personnel in achieving their objectives, has allowed the fire to transition safely to monitor status.
A medium type two helicopter will be used to transport all remaining equipment to the Centennial Lake campground and off of the Tustumena Lake Fire. The Centennial Lake campground is open for public use. The slack Water boat launch on the Kasilof River and the Tustumena campground are open for public use for the foreseeable future.
This will be the last report on Tustumena Lake Fire unless significant activity occurs.
Cribby Creek Fire (#201)- The fire Located three miles north of Red Devil saw exceptional efforts from firefighters who successfully met all objectives, coupled with recent cool and wet weather, the Cribby Creek fire will be demobilizing the Del Rosa and Laguna Hotshots today. They will return to Fairbanks before being redeployed to other areas where their assistance is needed.
Air resources have detected no smoke on the fire. Helicopters and remaining fire personnel will continue to assist with removing fire equipment from the area as the operation concludes. The successful containment and management of the fire have allowed for the safe transition to monitor status.
This will be the last report on Cribby Creek Fire unless significant activity occurs.
Categories: Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 