Refuge reopens more land after fire

With the reduced fire danger and winding down of fire operations, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge has re-opened several more recreational facilities previously closed due to the Swan Lake Fire. The Vista Trail, Doroshin Bay Cabin, Hidden Lake and Hidden Lake Campground are open, as is the East Fork Moose River.
    The designated closure area originally established around the fire is also being reduced to the perimeter of the Swan Lake Fire as it was on Sept. 30.
    All lands actually burned by the fire within the Refuge will remain closed because of hazards within the burn area that include fire-weakened standing trees that may fall without warning and deep ash pits holding residual heat capable of causing severe burns.
    The Refuge’s website has a complete list of recreational facilities now open and those remaining closed.