An emergency ordinance to fund disaster response was passed in a special assembly meeting at the Kenai Peninsula Borough, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

An emergency ordinance to fund disaster response was passed in a special assembly meeting at the Kenai Peninsula Borough, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Assembly extends fire disaster declaration

The declaration includes $200,00 for emergency response.

The Kenai Peninsula emergency declaration regarding several wildfires burning on the peninsula was extended at a special Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting Thursday afternoon.

A resolution to extend the disaster declaration, which was only in effect until Aug. 28, was passed unanimously by the assembly.

The disaster declaration is now extended for 45 more days, to allow for more complete response, the resolution said.

“The declaration seeks state assistance as the borough has expended significant resources relating to the response to these fires in coordinating with the state of Alaska,” the resolution said.

The assembly also addressed an emergency ordinance at their special assembly meeting that appropriates $200,000 from the general fund to be used for the response to the wildfires.

The ordinance passed the assembly unanimously, and state’s the money is needed to provide funding for the borough’s ongoing efforts in response to the fires and assessments of damages.

“The assembly finds that an emergency exists due to current fire-related conditions, including firefighting support, preparations and communications with the public due to road closures, evacuation preparedness and notifications, temporary housing, smoky air threatening public health and the continued threat to persons and property from these conditions,” the ordinance said.

More in News

Tyson Cox speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Borough awards Homer schools improvements contracts

Funding for improvements to the Homer High School entrance comes out of the 2022 bond package.

A young girl digs for razor clams at the Ninilchik Beach in Ninilchik, Alaska, on Saturday, July 1, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
East Cook Inlet clamming to remain closed for 2025

The causes of these conditions remain unknown but likely include effects from habitat changes and predation, officials said.

Graduates process into the 55th Annual Kenai Peninsula College Commencement Ceremony, held at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
‘The kinds of leaders Alaska and the world needs’

KPC graduates congratulated as they head into the next chapter of their lives.

Homer Electric Association General Manager Brad Janorschke speaks at the utility’s annual meeting of the members at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
HEA manager talks natural gas, hazard trees, rates at annual meeting

Natural gas remains the “backbone” of the utility’s energy production.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to reporters during a press conference at the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Dunleavy orders freeze on state employee hiring, travel and new regulations due to fiscal crunch

Exemptions allowed for certain occupations and “mission-critical” purposes.

Students stock rainbow trout into Johnson Lake during Salmon Celebration, hosted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game near Kasilof, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Celebrating the cycle of life

The annual Kenai Peninsula Salmon Celebration caps off the Salmon in the Classroom program.

State of Alaska Department of Law logo. Photo courtesy of the State of Alaska Department of Law
Homer woman sentenced for 2020 murder

Sarah Dayan was convicted in December for the murder of Keith Huss.

Borough Mayor Peter Micciche speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Borough mayor proposes mill rate decrease in $180M draft budget

The budget also follows his “balanced budget philosophy” of spending increases at or below around 2.5% year-over-year.

Most Read