KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Jay Barrett/KMXT
The Alaska Dispatch News is reporting that the Twin Creeks Fire in Chiniak was “human-caused,” but the facts are more nuanced than that, according to a Alaska Division of Forestry spokesman.
The ADN quotes from a daily situation report that the cause of the fire was “ignited by humans,” but Jim Schwarber clarified to KMXT that “human-caused” does not imply intent.
He said the classification can include anything that is human-made that ignites a fire, including an escaped vehicle fire. It would also include a downed powerline or an electrical transformer damaged in a high wind storm, much like the one last Thursday night when the fire started.
Schwarber said the cause of the Chiniak Fire is under active investigation, and the official release of the specific cause may not take place for awhile.
