Kenai River Trail fire blamed on lightning

Crews have been released from the Kenai River Trail fire, which is now in monitor status with some confined hot spots within the fire area's interior, according to the Division of Forestry.

Two smaller fires on Sunday and Monday were quickly put out.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has assumed responsibility for the Kenai River Trail fire, which now has a 100-foot perimeter fire break.

The plan is to let the fire burn itself out, because of the steepness of the terrain, and partly because the fire is burning very deep.

Digging out all the embers would cause extensive damage to the land.

The forestry investigation has concluded that the cause of the Kenai River Trail fire was lightning.

Sunday afternoon, not far from that fire, an abandoned campfire escaped, resulting in a 1/10th-acre fire at Mile 60 of the Sterling Highway near Jean Lake.

The fire was suppressed by engine crews from the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and the Division of Forestry.

At 1:47 p.m. Monday, another 1/10th-acre fire was reported at the Russian River Campground. Firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service, the wildlife refuge and state forestry quickly contained and extinguished the fire.

These fires are out, but stand as a reminder of the hot dry conditions in the Kenai area, according to the Division of Forestry.

The dry conditions -- combined with an unwatched campfire and a gust of wind -- could result in a very expensive and traumatic family outing, according to the division.

Strict fire restrictions are in place in the Chugach National Forest, and open burning of brush and yard debris has been suspended by the Division of Forestry.

The suspension does not ban campfires or fires in approved burn barrels, but with the high fire danger and dry fuels, strict guidelines must be followed:

The fire must be in a dirt area, in a fire ring away from vegetation, including moss and peat.

Never light a fire during windy conditions.

Water must be on site to put out the fire.

Any fire must be attended until it is completely out.

Burn barrels must be covered with a metal screen. Burn barrels are not allowed in the city of Kenai.

The Division of Forestry is discouraging lighting any fires until significant rainfall is received.

Anyone who lights a fire that results in an escaped wildland fire needing professional fire suppression may consequently be responsible for the payment of the suppression costs.