Since 8/18/19, the Cooper Landing community has been significantly affected by a major uptick in fire activity from the Swan Lake Fire located approximately 12 miles west of Cooper Landing, Alaska and about 5 miles East of Sterling, Alaska. (SEE UPDATES BELOW)
Portions of the Sterling Highway near Jim’s Landing where the Swan Lake Fire has jumped the road on 8/18/19.
The Swan lake Fire as it approaches the road near Jean Lake on 8/18/19.
Dense smoke over portions of the Sterling Highway causing traffic to come to a halt on 8/18/19.
More fire as the Swan Lake Fire approaches Sterling Highway (headed East) on 8/18/19.
Currently, as of 6:20pm on 8/21/19, the Sterling Highway is open. Furthermore, all 3 boat launches in town: Cooper Landing Viewpoint and Boat Launch, Sportsman’s landing and Jim’s Landing have all been closed until further notice - additionally, the entire length of Skilak Lake Road, Lower Skilak Boat Launch and Campground is also closed. Boating activity on the Upper Kenai River is also prohibited to reduce road traffic on the Sterling Highway in Cooper Landing.
The Russian River Campground/Ferry and Jim’s Landing have also been evacuated and are closed until further notice.
For our guests that have fishing trips planned over the next few days, we want you to know that we are working hard to come up with alternative fishing plans that are both safe and enjoyable. If no solutions can be reached, we will issue full refunds in a timely manner.
Thank you to everyone for your patience and support as we deal with this ever-changing situation.
For the latest updates please visit: https://akfireinfo.com/
UPDATES
8/19/19 11:30AM - Sterling Highway to re-open at noon - Expect delays and absolutely no stopping along the highway due to ongoing fire activity.
8/19/19 6:15PM - Sterling Highway Temporarily Closes due to fire activity, Cooper Landing Viewpoint and Boat Launch, Sportsman’s Landing and Jim’s Landing still closed, Upper Kenai River still closed to all boating activity.
8/19/19 9:30PM - Traffic is delayed indefinitely due to “Significant Fire Activity” that is expected to continue for quite some time.
8/19/19 10:15PM - Both lanes of the Sterling Highway near Cooper Landing remain halted - the situation could last through the evening and into Tuesday. Free Camping is available at Centennial and Swiftwater in Soldotna for travelers headed East.
8/20/19 7:15AM - The Sterling Highway remains closed as fire activity has increased significantly. No word yet on when the road will re-open. The Kenai River remains closed until further notice.
8/20/19 9:50AM - The Sterling Highway will open at 10:00am to one lane of traffic starting with the Sterling side.
8/21/19 6:25AM - The Sterling Highway is closed due to high smoke levels. No word on when it will reopen.
8/21/19 6:00PM - Sterling Highway has re-opened.