"Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore"

Hi there, what's up??? Here in Alaska, it stays light (I mean like afternoon light) until like 1 am. So when I woke up at 5pm, and it was dark I knew something wasn't right. Either we done ticked God off and needed to start building an ark, or somebody didn't listen to Smokey the bear... unfortunately it was the second thought, there was a huge fire (I don't know the details) out in Deep Creek (half way between Kenai and Homer). Please keep those who live in that area in your prayers... Here are some pictures of the sky from where I work.

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Caribou fire near Homer, Alaska triples in size

June 21, 2007

Anchorage, Alaska - The Alaska Division of Forestry said the Caribou Hills fire burning east of Ninilchik since Tuesday grew to more than 10,000 acres today and is still out of control.

KTUU news in Anchorage reports that the plumes of smoke from the Caribou Hills fire can be seen as far away as Homer and Soldotna.

The wildfire started Tuesday evening by a spark from a grinder when a resident was sharpening a shovel.

The Division estimates the fire is at 10,000acres but admit the fire could be even larger.

Division officials say the dead spruce and dry grass have combined to fuel the fire and doubt the fire will subside until the Kenai Peninsula receives a heavy rain.

From the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Press Release Wednesday 6/20:

The Caribou Hills Fire, which started Tuesday evening was reported between 1000 - 1200 acres this morning. The approximate fire location is east on Oilwell Road, east on 5000 road about four miles. It is south of 5000 road, north, south and west of Deep Creek and moving up the north side of Deep Creek Dome. Approximately 500 acres are burning north of Deep Creek with the rest of the acreage burning south of Deep Creek. One structure, belonging to Rob Coreson, has burned while several others were saved due to hard work by firefighters. The structure that was lost is in the section north of Deep Creek. Two people, not four as previously reported, were evacuated from the Caribou Hills area by a Division of Forestry Helicopter Tuesday .

Crews worked until 1am Wednesday morning before going to bed. The fire was reported as active most of the night and active again early this morning. With today's expected temperatures of 70-79 degrees, and humidity of 14 to 22, fire behavior is expected to be active again. Priorities of the Incident Commander Terry Anderson are structure protection and protection of the HEA transmission line in the area. Smokejumpers and DOF firefighters are working to put in hose lines to protect the transmission line.

The fire is moving primarily south and west this morning. Fire fighters hope to hold it west of Deep Creek, using the creek as a natural barrier. The Pioneer Peak Type 1 Crew is on scene, crews from Tanacross and Nikolai are enroute and more crews have been ordered.

Oilwell Road is open but 5000 road is closed to traffic. Other descriptions of the fires location are: 14 miles east of Ninilchik, 17 miles SE of Clam Gulch, 20 miles S of Johnson lake and 8 miles NW of Caribou Lakes.

BURN PERMIT SUSPENSION

Effective Saturday evening June 16th, the Kenai-Kodiak Area office of the Division of Forestry closed permitted burning for the entire western Kenai Peninsula until further notice. Burning in barrels was also suspended. Individuals may not conduct any burning of brush, grass, or yard debris or burn in a barrel until a change in the weather allows the suspension to be lifted. Campfires are allowed, but individuals must use caution: Locate the fire in a dirt area, in a fire ring away from vegetation, including moss and peat. Water for extinguishment must be on site, and the fire must be attended to until it is completely out. Never light a fire during windy conditions.