Yes last year was 2nd worst fire year and foresty people are saying that it can be as bad or worst then last year. As to El Nino years I seen years where they been worst in weather. This year it been crazy. Snow starting in September on thru tend of November. South central and south west Alaska it just been rain. Anchorage snow total on the ground is zero. normally it around 25 inches give or take.
Only the slope and Northway has seen any cold temps below zero. The storm track been up the coast and then swings across and goes up the Bering Sea. The ice charts show open leads along the coast where it is normally solid ice. From Merkoyuk to Norton Sound it open water.
Just going to have to see what happens this spring as they are predicting earlier then usual green up/ If may is hot like it was last spring, 90 deg days it going to be bad. I know I'm going to open up another 100 feet from brush to cabin. put the old kobota to work.
John