Soldotna, AK | The Funny River Fire located in the Kenai-Kodiak Area Forestry started on Monday, May 19, 2014, around 1900 hours.
Fire Status
Currently, there are 589 personnel involved with this fire.
The fire has now crossed over the Kenai River on Sunday afternoon near Torpedo Lake, East of Kenai Keys. Several spot fires within the Keys did minor damage but was quickly put out.
The Fire Management Team is working to confirm if any structures were lost.
Evacuations
Central Emergency Services has temporarily restricted Funny River Road to move fire vehicles and crews working in the area. They need to have unrestricted access to effectively respond. Troopers and other law enforcement agencies continue patrols throughout the area. CERT members will be assisting with patrol.
The evacuation order is still in place. Please remain out of the area until the evacuation has been lifted.
Until incident command lifts the evacuation order, folks are urged to stay out of the area. Persons with critical needs may have an escort arranged through Alaska State Troopers for an in-and-out trip. To make this arrangement, please call the Soldotna Public Safety Communications Center at 262-4453. They will put you in direct contact with the area trooper to coordinate the request.
Other affected areas,
Lower Skilak Lake Campground: evacuation in progress and is closed until further notice.
Funny River Community: Road closed, evacuation order (go).
Kenai Keys/Feuding Road: evacuation readiness (get ready).
Kasilof: Sterling Hwy 103 to the Kasilof River on the east side (get ready)
At this time, more than 1,000 buildings have been evacuated according to media.
Mile posts 103 to 105 had an evacuation order of the Sterling Highway for the East side of the Highway only. Police are strongly requesting residents stay off of the Sterling Highway from Soldotna to Kasilof.
Evacuations were ordered on May 25, 2014, on Funny River Rd from M7 to the end. Evacuation advisory for the end of Fueding Lane through the end of Kenai Keys Road was issued.
The Red Cross has OPENED a temporary shelter today at the Redoubt Elementary School. There will be limited food service tonight, generously provided by XTO Energy.
Be prepared; bring the following items to the shelter:
· Prescriptions and emergency medications
· Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements
· Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
· Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled
· They should also try to contact their relatives to let them know where they are and how they are doing
Visit www.redcross.org/ak/anchorage for more information.
Fire Summary
The fire has now burned up 158,585 acres or 248 square miles. This is a human-caused fire.
A 30% containment has been reached. It has been difficult access for firefighters into the area as it is made up of timber, black spruce, old Beetle kill and grass, spruce and hardwoods.
Winds are moving 6-10 mph SW are fueling the fire burning up the dry land that has been without rain for over a month.
Incident Highlights
On May 21, 2014, Alberta Wildfire team answered the call by sending five of their aircraft water tankers.
On May 22, 2014, a Task Force responded from Delta, Fairbanks and The Mat-Su Borough.
From NASA’s point-of-view.
CES and Forestry crews were working on spot fires.
Transporation Update
A temporary FAA tower: NOTAM was established at 0900 on May 24, 2014, under Class Delta at the Soldotna Airport in Alaska. This tower is staffed by FAA controllers.
Media Blitz
Media briefings are being held at 1000, 1330 and 2100 daily due to the high media interest in the fire.
Heroic Stories
A female Trooper helped load up chickens into a truck for one resident living on Heavy Down Drive, as they evacuated the area. The resident appreciated those helping with the fire showing compassion and well beyond the call of duty.
Incident Cooperators
Alberta Wildfire Air Tankers, Strike team from Delta, Fairbanks, The Mat-Su Borough, AK Air National Guard Blackhawks, structural engines from Anchorage FD. Some have come from the Lower 48 to help squelch this fire.
Editor’s Note: We thank the Men and Women fighting this amazing fire on the front lines, as supporters, in Rehab, Incident Command to Dispatchers to Law Enforcement.
KUDOS to you for working tirelessly to stop this fire from progressing. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We are here to Support you in however we can. Wishing safety all upon you.
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