The Swanson River Fire (1969)

 

For those who have read my book, you may remember my summer in Kenai, Alaska. Maybe you recall our loony supervisor, who often felt the need to remind us on a rainy, cold day, "Just remember: The Swanson River Fire started on a day like today!"

We were skeptical. One crewmate did look into it, and said it was supposedly a big deal. We were still skeptical. 

 Today another former crewmate shared this article with me. Looks like the story is true. And that Air Force Base the fire nearly destroyed was where we lived and worked!

The destructive Swanson River Fire of 1969 burned about 83,000 acres on the Kenai Peninsula. 

 This fire eventually burned dangerously close to Wildwood Air Force Station, and became one of the most significant fires in Kenai Peninsula history. 

 

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