If you have been following the Alaskan news recently you will know that right now there are over 250 separate fires burning and being tracked around the state. The fire crews from Alaska and the Lower 48, plus their support staff are doing an amazing job and are working hard to protect lives, homes and businesses. These men and women are truly “giving it their all.” And we thank them for their perseverance, knowledge and professionalism. We’d like to quote something we read from one of the Seaveys on Facebook: “Firefighters make Iditarod Mushers look like Cupcakes!
Current map from the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center
The closest fire to the kennel is The Anaconda Creek Fire (#439), on the north side of Chena Hot Springs Road. This fire started on June 20th by a lightening strike. Currently the fire is about 10 miles north of the kennel with a favorable wind currently blowing away from any built up areas. It is in an area we train in during the winter so we’re familiar with the trails and terrain. It actually is burning just a few miles north of one of our common winter training trails that we ironically call “the Fire Break” trail. It is a wide trail cut along the top of a ridge by a bull dozer years ago to try and keep a fire north of Two Rivers. We hope that its previously intended goal is still valid!
Ray and Aliy took ATVs to the Fire Break Trail on Sunday afternoon and photographed the fire. It is reported to be 600 acres in size. Currently the wind is blowing the fire away from the kennel and away from the town of Two Rivers.
A view of the Anaconda Creek Fire from the Fire Break Trail.
An Alaska Type II Green Team has been stationed at the Pleasant Valley Store and Community Centre to attend the fire and they’re keeping everyone well abreast of the situation with updates and information as needed. The situation can alter quickly with a change in the wind or a lightning strike. We have loaded three trucks and two trailers with gear and dog supplies. There is a dog truck standing ready and a trailer for dog kennels. We could evacuate on a moment’s notice.
The Willow (Sockeye) Fire that burned many mushers (and non mushers) homes in the Southcentral Alaska earlier in June has now been predominately contained. People are moving back to their property and assessing damages: some minimal some catastrophic. Our thoughts go out to our friends who lost so much.
Several Alaskan villages have also been evacuated as wildfires. Musher Brent Sass has evacuated his kennel in Eureka and both the towns of Nulato and Tanana (checkpoints on the Iditarod this year) have evacuated. A small community south of Nenana has lost homes as well. But, there are many, many more fires threatening cabins, structures and livelihoods.
Thank you Aliy for sharing the update.. My Dad was a firefighter, and YES, they are tough men and women, and we APPRECIATE, and THANK THEM ALL, VERY MUCH for ALL THEY ARE DOING, out there!!! I DO like the quote, even though, I am NOT a musher, SO, if you guys say you look like cupcakes??? OK!! Stay safe at SP Kennel, and out at two rivers.. Prayers to EVERYONE in Alaska, who is effective by these fires…
I still can't get over the number of fires in Alaska….and the concept of dry thunder storms…..lightening strikes without the rain. I had no idea! Your links in past posts have been very helpful for us fans to keep tabs on the fires….what you all need now is a good "days long" soaker rain! Stay safe SPK….let's hope you don't have to execute your evacuation plan…but it's good to be on the ready!
WOW!!! That was a vivid update and I'm worried for Alaska!!! Worrying doesn't help a hill of beans, so I, too, will pray for them to stop and become controlled by the firefighters—and for you guys! Ya think that there would be more precipitation in the summer months like the winter—hang in there.
Thanks for the update on the fires and a huge thank you to all who are fighting the fires and to all who are helping displaced people and dogs. Our prayers are for everyone's safety and for the end of the fires. Stay safe!
Thanks so very much for this complete report – fingers crossed,
–Margaret
We have been following the reports closely and we are in utter disbelief at just how many fires there are. It seems much worse than in the past, at least from what I have read. Please stay safe as we know you will. And, a big shout out to Ray and all of the amazing firefighters risking it all to do an incredible job.
Yes, God bless firefighters, true heroes in every sense. I am currently in Anchorage and following what fire news I can while I continue to hold all threatened in my prayers. There are many fires, some dangerous, in the southwest US as well–AZ, NM, and California is getting cooked. Heart goes out to all. Thanks for your update here; hoping for protective dome over SPK and all its folk, 4 and 2 legged!! Be safe and stay cool!!
Thank you for the update. I have not seen a lot of what has been happening over the past few days but have kept everyone in thoughts and prayers. Firefighters are such a blessing and work so very hard for others. Stay safe
Thank you for your updates. We know from past experience (sadly) that you are not only ready, but can evacuate all your dogs quickly if needed. Any news on the puppy front? Hopefully you will not need to come up with any more fire litter names! Prayers for all the firefighters and for the mushers and others who have lost so much. Stay safe SPK.
What a graphic! Sobering…continued prayers for all in the thick of this fire. Thank you for keeping us updated.
Holly