Fire disaster assistance deadline approaching

In this June 16, 2015 file photo a group of fishermen watch as a water bomber takes water from Skilak Lake to fight the Card Street wildfire on  near Sterling, Alaska.

In this June 16, 2015 file photo a group of fishermen watch as a water bomber takes water from Skilak Lake to fight the Card Street wildfire on near Sterling, Alaska.

Those whose homes or property were affected by the Card Street fire still have time to apply for state aid.

When Gov. Bill Walker declared a state of emergency in response to the wildfire that consumed 11 peninsula structures in its wake, monetary and housing assistance became available for local Alaskans through the Individual Assistance Program. The last day to apply is Tuesday, Aug. 18. Even families who have not lost a primary home or vehicle are encouraged to apply, said Jeremy Zidek of the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

“…Whenever there’s a fire, sometimes people will have minor damage,” Zidek said. “(Sometimes) those damages are greater than people have anticipated.”

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Zidek said even people with minor damages should apply before the deadline, because there is no way to fill out an application for aid after the deadline passes in the event that minor damage becomes something more.

“Once they have applied, we can amend their application if any new damages are discovered,” Zidek said.

Many people are not aware that their insurance deductible is an expense eligible for the Individual Aid program, Zidek said. Even if a person’s insurance agency comes in and pays for the damage caused by the fire, that person may still be eligible for some assistance through the program.

So far, only eight applications have been submitted from the area of the peninsula affected by the Card Street fire. Residents can apply for Individual Assistance online at ready.alaska.gov.

Reach Megan Pacer at megan.pacer@peninsulaclarion.com

 

More in News

Graduates celebrate at the end of the Kenai Central High School commencement ceremony in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
‘Fight as the generation who will stand tall’

Kenai Central High School graduates 113.

Guest speaker Donica Nash gave out candy matching each student, including this package of JOYRIDE to Gideon Pankratz, at the River City Academy graduation ceremony Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Skyview Middle School just outside of Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
River City Academy graduates 9

The school serves students in seventh through 12th grade and has an enrollment of about 80

Nikiski graduates view their slideshow during a commencement ceremony at Nikiski/Middle High School in Nikiski, Alaska, on Monday, May 19, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
‘We need to change the world’

Nikiski Middle/High School graduates 31 on Monday.

State Sen. Lyman Hoffman (D-Bethel) exits the Senate Chambers after the Senate on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, adjourns until next January. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Alaska Legislature adjourns a day early in ‘smoothest ending in 20 years’ following months of budget battles

Lawmakers speed through final votes on veto override on education funding bill, budget with $1,000 PFD.

Rep. Andi Story (D-Juneau), Rep. Rebecca Himschoot (I-Sitka), and Rep. Sarah Vance (R-Homer) watch the vote tally during a veto override joint session on an education bill Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Education funding boost stands as lawmakers successfully override Dunleavy veto

Three of the peninsula’s legislators voted to override the veto.

Jeff Dolifka and his children perform the ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula’s Royce and Melba Roberts Campus in Kenai, Alaska, on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
‘So proud of what we accomplished’

New Boys and Girls Clubs campus dedicated Saturday with a ribbon-cutting and donor recognition.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to reporters about his decision to veto an education funding bill earlier this session at the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday, April 17, 2025. He vetoed a second such bill on Monday. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Dunleavy vetoes 2nd bill increasing education funding; override vote by legislators likely Tuesday

Bill passed by 48-11 vote — eight more than needed — but same count for override not certain.

Graduate Paxton McKnight speaks during the graduation ceremony at Cook Inlet Academy near Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Beginning a new season of their lives

Cook Inlet Academy graduates seven.

The wreckage of Smokey Bay Air plane N91025 is photographed after residents pulled it from the water before high tide on April 28, 2025, in Nanwalek, Alaska. (Photo courtesy of NTSB)
Preliminary report released on Nanwalek plane crash

The crash killed the pilot and one passenger and left the other passenger seriously injured.

Most Read