Single Publication

Update June 7th 8:00 pm

The Contact Creek Fire is now measured at 8,127 acres based off imagery gathered on June 6th at 1:40 pm. Most of the fire perimeter has burned into natural boundaries (sparse available fuels at higher elevations, lakes and streams).  Based on VIIRS Satellite heat derived detection points, an area of the northwestern, portion of the southern, and the eastern flanks remain of the fire remain active. Cooler and wetter conditions are anticipated to arrive in the next five days. However, until the fire area receives a wetting rain event, or the perimeter consumes available fuels up to a natural barrier, expect diminished but incremental growth.
 
Also burning is the Idavain Fire (#218), 25 miles east of King Salmon and 2 miles south of Idavain Lake, which started on June 6, 2022.  The fire is being monitored by National Park Service and Alaska Division of Forestry personnel as it burns in a limited management area in Katmai National Park & Preserve.  Fuels include tundra, grass, and mixed fuels.  

June 5th

The Contact Creek Fire (#151), which started 40 miles southeast of King Salmon, is now reported at 6,632 acres as of 1pm June 4th. The persistence of dry conditions and record heat on the Katmai peninsula has contributed to fire growth. Fire #151 is in a limited management area in Katmai National Park and Preserve, and officials from the National Park Service and Department of Forestry are continuing to actively monitor the fire’s progress.

Gathered from recent aerial observation, roughly 70% of the fire’s perimeter is no longer growing due to creeks 6-10 feet wide creating a natural barrier. The entire north and northeast sides of the fire look to be held up on creeks of this size, and the sections of perimeter left burning are expected to run into similar streams that will halt growth within the next several days.

Residents in Southwest Alaska may see smoke in the King Salmon area due to this fire. The National Park Service will continue to monitor this incident and further updates will be issued.   
 
Contact Creek Fire AK Fire Info