There was a wildfire that started about 4 miles from the kennel yesterday evening. The plume of smoke was visible from the edge of the dog yard. Allen and Aliy were in Denali National Park speaking to tourists when both Kaz and Ryne called to give them the news. They came straight home.
By this time, the Two Rivers neighborhood and the Alaska Wildland firefighting professionals really pulled together and tamed a very hazardous situation.
Ray was actually driving home from work (he is a firefighter) and saw the signs of a fire. Soon the state and federal agencies were throwing all resources at it. Meghan, who is currently employed by Alaska Fire Service, was given a half day off – only to sit at a wildfire roadblock for hours while trying to return home to Charlet and Tina Turner.
Hot shots, smokejumpers, various fire crews, as well as helicopters and airplanes worked the fire into the night. By, 11 PM the road block was lifted and many of the flames were contained.
The incredible temperatures and dry forests in Interior Alaska this summer might lead to a crazy wildland fire season. We hope this one was as close to us as they will get!! Regardless, we have dog boxes and trucks ready in case humans or dogs need to be moved in a hurry.
The fire came across Chena Hot Spring Road at 16 mile. The kennel turn off is 21 mile.
Alaska Fire Service Smokejumpers landed in the field adjacent to the kennel.
Derek was the first Smokejumper to land.
Ray and Derek talk “Fire talk”.
Thanks for the update! Glad I got a hold of Kaz last night to know all was taken care of. Thinking of everyone out there! Holler if you need trucks to get out.
So glad to hear all is contained.
Very interesting to see the smoke jumper in your field! Thank you for the update! Julie
So glad all is well. Scary times, I know.
What a scary fire & so close to SP Kennel. Wildfires are so unpredictable and can be very destructive. There are several going on here now also. I am glad you are all safe-both canines & humans.
SPK has all the right kind of heros.
So glad you are safe, pups and humans!!! Please take care!!!
SP Kennel is such a class act, all the time, any where, any situation.
As a 30year vet of wildland firefighting it is so cool to know that the SP Kennel crew actually knows what a Hot Shot and a Smokejumper really are.
I trust the entire racing kennel and everyone is OK. Thanks for making my day- even in the off racing season!
Wow….glad to hear you didn't have to evacuate the kennel and good to know you have a plan to exit if need be. I can not imagine having a wildfire so close by. Thank goodness all is well at SP Kennel and I certainly hope it stays that way!!