Lightening and Wildfire

Oxcenia O'Domin writes,

There were lightning strike-caused fires at Paul's Creek and Coffee Creek north of King Salmon, AK. A thunderstorm with lightning observed on 6/20/15 by residents and smoke was noticed about an hour later. The dry lightning also went all night on the 21st. Residents estimated the fires to be about 15 to 20 miles away. Residents are concerned about air quality in the community with possible wind changes and habitat destruction. As of noon on Monday, there were reports of smoke blowing into the valley near the community.

LEO says:

The number of lightning strikes and fires across Alaska are unprecedented this month. The AICC reports that there have been 441 fires burning 229,441 acres. Statewide fires: 47 new, 27 staffed, 110 monitors, 255 out, and 2 no status.(Caused by Human: 266 and Lighting:171). The fires reported by Oxcenia and Joni are included in the current inventory. For more information about community preparedness about wildfires, see the State of Alaska's Firewise Program home page.

NOTE:

Oxcenia O'Domin added this comment on June 30, 2015: ”Alaska Peninsula and Becharof National Wildlife Refuges - At the current moment the fire is not threatening King Salmon as the KS creek is a natural barrier that could potentially stop it from spreading further this way if it grows more. The only thing we encounter is the wind shifting and the smoke comes our way. Here is an updated Google Earth view of the fire spread. You can see King Salmon Creek close to the fire, Naknek Lake and King Salmon in the photo.”link