UPDATE: The Alaska Division of Forestry has rescinded an emergency burn closure issued two weeks ago on state, private and municipal lands in the Kenai Peninsula and Matanuska-Susitna boroughs, effective at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4. Burning debris in the open or in a burn barrel still requires a small- or large-scale burn permit under an emergency order extending Alaska’s wildfire season through Sept. 30.
The cooler temperatures, cloudy skies, and rain over the Labor Day weekend have improved the situation at both the McKinley and Deskha Landing Fires. At the McKinley Fire, approximately a half-inch of precipitation fell on Labor Day. Rain was accompanied by gusty southerly winds at the Deshka Landing Fire site, which increases the danger of falling trees.
Fire crews on the Deshka Landing Fire have additional safety concerns because they hike in to work and camp away from roads. Crews face a greater potential for falls on wet exposed tree roots and slippery wet ash. Rain and showers make it difficult for the firefighters to stay dry so hypothermia is a new concern.
A portion of the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area is still closed to recreation and hunting to avoid safety issues with firefighters working in the area. Last Tuesday, the closure order was modified to open the eastern portion of the Recreation Area.
In the McKinley Fire area, firefighters are using flagging to mark hazards, such as fire-weakened trees and ashpits, for people returning to their property. Residents are encouraged to be diligent, keeping a high level of awareness when traveling throughout the fire.
The Northern Rockies Interagency Incident Management Team 7 took command of the McKinley Fire on September 2nd. A night shift is still in place to monitor any flare ups and continue mop up. As of Tuesday morning, containment is 95% and the size is 3,288 acres.
All power is restored to the area and any residents experiencing issues should call the Matanuska Electric Association. Despite the rain of the last few days, an emergency burn closure remains in effect for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. All burning, including campfires, charcoal grills, campfires in fire pits or rings in designated campgrounds is prohibited.
