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Chugach National Forest 161 E. 1st Avenue, Door 8 Anchorage, AK 99501 Twitter: @ChugachForestAK Web: www.fs.usda.gov/r10/chugach Date: June 19, 2015 Media Contact:
Jean Goad 218.259.0929,
jmgoad52@xxxxxxxxx
Type 2 Team takes Command of Chugach Fires
Anchorage- A reconnaissance flight yesterday, June 19 provided more accurate information
on the two lightning-caused wildfires that ignited Tuesday evening, June 16 on Chugach National Forest – Kenai Peninsula and acreage for the fires has been updated. Both fires have grown in size and remain active. Juneau Lake fire is approximately 400 acres
and Stetson Creek is approximately 250 acres.
The Juneau Lake fire perimeter was active, except on the eastern flank which is burning into higher elevations. Structure protection is in place for cabins.
Firefighters are monitoring the northern flank of the Stetson Creek fire. Effective work from water scooping aircraft have slowed the spread of fire. Two crews are en route to the fire today.
The Oregon 4 Type 2 Team will take command of both fires this afternoon.
Visitors, local residents and aviators should anticipate varying levels of smoke in the forest. Wildfire smoke information is available at
http://dec.alaska.gov/air/smokemain.html. Travelers are reminded to use caution when
driving through smoky conditions by driving with headlights on, slowing down and watching for fire equipment and firefighters. Information on travel conditions and fire-related road closures can be found at
http://511.alaska.gov.
Smoke can pose health concerns for the public. Residents are encouraged to visit the Protect Yourself from Smoke website
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Wildfires/ Cooper Creek North and South Campgrounds and Bean Creek and Stetson Creek Trail are closed. Resurrection Pass South trail is closed to Devil’s Creek junction.
This includes the Trout Lake, Romig, Juneau Lake, and Swan Lake cabins. Resurrection Pass North trail is open and cabin rentals are still valid. Please visit
www.fs.usda.gov/chugach to for maps of the closure order area.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over both Stetson Creek and Juneau Lake fires.
Weather conditions are expected to be warm and dry for the next seven days. It is Solstice weekend and as you are out enjoying the extended daylight hours, exercise
caution and report any fires or smoke. Most areas of the Chugach National Forest are open and a hike on the upper Kenai Peninsula trails or a drive and picnic at Portage are great ways to enjoy the forest this weekend.
Visit www.akfireinfo.com for the latest updates
on fires across the state. More information and updates on the Stetson Creek and Juneau Lake fires can be found at
www.inciweb.nwcg.gov or
www.fs.usda.gov/chugach. For general fire information, call (907) 743-9500 Anchorage.
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Attachment:
ChugachFireUpdateNR6192015.docx
Description: ChugachFireUpdateNR6192015.docx
