Tag: 2019 Wildfires
Can artificial intelligence help predict Alaska wildfire growth?
Using Alaska wildfires in their recent study, researchers at the University of California Irvine say they have a new way of predicting wildfire growth, right at the time the fire ignites.
Boaters can again float some of the Kenai River, as fire slows
Fire officials say while warmer, drier days are coming, the Swan Lake Fire is not expected to show any considerable change.
Wildfires and warming could transform Alaska’s forests, making leafy trees dominant over evergreens, study says
If wildfire frequency and temperature rise in Alaska like the paper’s authors expect, broadleaf trees like birch and aspen could become dominant, taking over from evergreens like spruce, which are better adapted to cold weather and scarce nutrients.
New technology could help save Anchorage homes from wildfires
The Anchorage Fire Department hopes a new, specialized camera will help them respond to wildfires faster.
Weekend winds could aid Swan Lake firefighting efforts
Public Information Officer Tim Jones says winds could disperse some of the smoke that’s been hanging over the Kenai. That would benefit firefighting efforts in the air.
Wildfire smoke’s health impacts lingered for years, according to Montana study
This summer has been filled with smoke for communities near the Swan Lake fire like Sterling and Cooper landing. So what does this mean for people's lungs and what are the long-term health effects?
With Swan Lake Fire burning nearby, Cooper Landing school closes into next week
According to the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, the closure comes as the community remains remains on a level 2 "set" evacuation notice. That means residents should be ready and prepared to leave at any time.
Swan Lake Fire takes a toll on Homer businesses
The Swan Lake Fire is causing major delays and closures on the Sterling Highway. And that’s having a big impact on local businesses in Homer, from a loss of tourist dollars to delays in goods.
Fires update: Firefighters make progress, residents on Sterling and Parks highways remain poised to evacuate
The Swan Lake Fire has grown to 160,033 acres.
Offal Fire moving away from Port Heiden
A volunteer was sent to a hospital in Anchorage last night due to smoke inhalation. The crew was able to put out the southern and middle portions of the fire with heavy equipment.
McKinley Fire close to 50 percent contained, evacuation levels lowered
Officials lowered evacuation levels for the McKinley Fire between Willow and Talkeetna today, allowing some residents to get into their homes.
‘Do they know that it’s that bad?’ Drivers describe ‘hellfire’ on Sterling Highway Sunday
As managers try to balance fire hazards with residents' transit needs, drivers describe an unexpected inferno along the Sterling Highway overnight.
51 homes burned from McKinley fire, 3 businesses, 80 outbuildings
Officials dealing with the McKinley fire burning between Willow and Talkeetna released an assessment Friday of damage since the blaze ignited last weekend.
Experts: Heat and drought, not spruce beetles or leaf miners, turned Alaska forests into kindling
There are more insects in the forest than other years, but experts say climate is the biggest factor for fires.
The latest on Southcentral wildfires: Aug. 22, 2019
Calm winds are aiding firefighters as they continue to battle blazes throughout Southcentral.
Volunteers remain hopeful, as Levelock Fire reaches 5% containment
Emergency firefighters and local volunteers are still working to suppress a 5,000-acre fire near Levelock. The fire has been burning since Sunday night, and residents are finally beginning to see improvements.
Swan Lake Fire pushes Cooper Landing’s smoky air quality off the charts, literally
Cooper Landing is registering some of the worst air quality readings in the country this week, due to smoke from the Swan Lake fire.
When the McKinley fire started, local firefighters took the first calls
Many of the local firefighters are still at the scene, but their initial efforts were especially important, officials said, amid diminished staffing levels at the end of the fire season, and as other wildfires around the state were competing for staff and equipment.
The latest on Southcentral wildfires: Aug. 21, 2019
The Caribou Lake Fire is threatening around 30 cabins near Homer. The blaze, 25 miles northeast of the city, grew to an estimated 700 acres on Wednesday.
The McKinley Fire raged through this area over the weekend. Here’s what it looks like now.
As the the McKinley wildfire continues to burn in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. leaving charred destruction in its wake, emergency crews work to protect area homes and property.