The Kenai Peninsula emergency declaration regarding several wildfires burning on the peninsula was extended at a special Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting Thursday afternoon.
A resolution to extend the disaster declaration, which was only in effect until Aug. 28, was passed unanimously by the assembly.
The disaster declaration is now extended for 45 more days, to allow for more complete response, the resolution said.
“The declaration seeks state assistance as the borough has expended significant resources relating to the response to these fires in coordinating with the state of Alaska,” the resolution said.
The assembly also addressed an emergency ordinance at their special assembly meeting that appropriates $200,000 from the general fund to be used for the response to the wildfires.
The ordinance passed the assembly unanimously, and state’s the money is needed to provide funding for the borough’s ongoing efforts in response to the fires and assessments of damages.
“The assembly finds that an emergency exists due to current fire-related conditions, including firefighting support, preparations and communications with the public due to road closures, evacuation preparedness and notifications, temporary housing, smoky air threatening public health and the continued threat to persons and property from these conditions,” the ordinance said.
