The resurgent Swan Lake Fire continues to burn south of the Sterling Highway, within the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area. As of Sunday night, the fire measured 150,264 acres burned.
Temporary delays of the Sterling Highway remain possible. Closure information is available at 511.alaska.gov, kpoem.com, and on Facebook at KPB Alerts. Heavy firefighting equipment will be on the highway. Driving with more caution than normal while on the highway is advised.
Towards Sterling, the southwestern edge of the fire remains staffed with firefighters and is secure. Sterling will still continue to be impacted by smoke. Structures that are being protected in this area remain secure.
Towards Cooper Landing, Crews have been working to establish firelines in the Fuller Lake Trail area to secure the east flank north of the highway. Boats continue to be used to shuttle crews across the Kenai River to reinforce control lines on the south side of the river in the Surprise Creek area, there firefighters have a mile of progress to date.
Firefighters continue to work to improve lines north of the Sterling Highway, and to provide structure protection along the Resurrection Trail. Crews continue to work to minimize impact to the community and roadways.
A weak low pressure system will be approaching the Gulf of Alaska, bringing shifting winds. The weather continues to be dry, with above average temperatures.
Winds shifting to the south should help clear smoke out of Seward and may improve air quality in Cooper Landing a bit. Sterling will be seeing the bulk of the smoke today with some being pushed towards Soldotna and Kenai later in the afternoon. Winds shift to the northwest again midday tomorrow and push smoke back to the south and east.
