Additional firefighters headed to Killey River Fire

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on May 16, 2026

Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP) Gannet Glacier Type 2 Initial Attack Crew will join the firefighters assigned to the Killey River Fire (060) located about 5-miles southeast of Funny River. Gannet Glacier will be shuttled by helicopter to the remote fire that is about 2.25-miles up the Killey River from its confluence with the Kenai River. Residents in the area of Mile Marker 17 Funny River Road will notice an increase in helicopter traffic as the pull out there will be utilized as a staging area. Mapping Saturday morning has set the size to 8.2 acres.

The human caused fire was reported Friday evening by a pilot and boat operator. It is burning along the edge of the waterway in the burned area of the 2014 Funny River Fire. DFFP launched Helitack to start an initial attack. Additional firefighters were shuttled to the fire Friday evening. Air Attack was ordered to coordinate aerial resources. An air tanker loaded with water delivered two loads, making multiple drops from each load to slow the fire’s advance. Water was requested instead of retardant due the proximity to Anadromous waters. Precipitaion, helicopter bucket drops, and the air tanker slowed the fire and allowed firefighters to cut saw line and build hose lays around the fire.

This photo shows an air tanker making a water drop on a wildland fire. — Air Tanker T-182 makes a water drop on the Killey River Fire (060) on Friday evening, May 15, 2026. The human caused fire was burning along the edge of the waterway in the burned area of the 2014 Funny River Fire. The air tanker delivered two loads, making multiple drops from each. Water was requested instead of retardant due the proximity to Anadromous waters. DFFP Photo

Firefighters will continue Saturday to construct line around the fire with the support of a helicopter to shuttle personnel, supplies and provide bucket drops of water.

Burn Permits have been suspended for the Kenai-Kodiak Prevention Area due to unseasonably strong winds developing as a storm system moves northward through the Gulf of Alaska. Dry and windy conditions are expected for the Kenai Peninsula along with temperatures into the mid to upper 50’s. This suspension will remain in place until conditions change. Permit holders need to be aware of changing conditions Call your area’s Permit Hotline for current status. Kenai Kodiak, (907) 260-4269.