Interior Alaska wildfire destroys homes near Anderson as some residents refuse to evacuate

Conditions escalated near Anderson, Alaska, just off the park highway, and an unknown number of homes and cabinets were destroyed by wildfires on Wednesday night.

Winds increased around 7 a.m., triggering a high-intensity fire, causing the blaze to split, officials said.

Firefighters After the fire broke out, government fire officials issued “emergency information” on Wednesday evening. ”

Despite the extreme situation, not all residents of Kobe Ag sub-county were displaced, said Denley Boro Mayor Clay Walker on Thursday.

Many have chosen to stay home and know that they are at risk, Walker said. Some described it as a “fire storm” while waiting for the fire.

This is probably one of the most neutral places not only in Alaska – and Alaska has a very independent mind, but there are some pretty strong people in this part of Alaska who are exposed to beautiful fires. They have been doing it for a long time and are doing their best. ”

The district has set up two shelters, but the mayor said only one person used them until Thursday morning, while others stayed with friends and family or in the camp. He said no residents or firefighters were injured.

About 65 people will live in different areas under the eviction notice. Firefighters released June 25, including Kobe sub.

On Wednesday night, the fire broke out at the end of Diane Avenue and the north-south line of Kobe Ag, in the east-west dozer line, state forest officials said.

“Firefighters working to protect the structures west of Kobe Ag should have been evacuated due to high fire risk and life-threatening conditions,” the agency said. Stay close to Rochester Road, working to maintain structures as much as possible.

The planes “caused heavy water and slow attacks from the air,” officials said. Firefighters worked overnight to put out the blaze and keep it on the west side of the Nena River, which did not reach the final report. Authorities on Thursday assessed the extent of the fire and the damage it caused.

Houses and cabinets in the residential area are under eviction and difficult to access, Walker said. Roads are not occupied by the county or state and some residents enter and exit by snowmobiles or by all vehicles on the ground. Structures are built on a large plot of land, sometimes covering up to 40 hectares.

The wind was calm overnight until Thursday morning, Walker said, but encouragement was expected until late at night. The Alaskan Red Flag warning for central Alaska was in effect on Thursday because lightning strikes are expected to be combined with already dangerous fires.

Smoke recommendations were given to the region. A thick cloud of smoke from the wildfire blocked the view on Thursday for less than a mile.

Release levels were raised for Anderson and Open Monday, as well as a clear space station – a sophisticated long-range radar system designed to strengthen U.S. missile defenses – and officials warned that anyone in the area should be prepared for evacuation if conditions quickly escalate. turn into.

If the fire crosses the Nana Canana River main channel to Anderson, it is advisable to evacuate, Walker said.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday night at Anderson Fire Hall and will be broadcast online.

Fires have broken out throughout Alaska this year, igniting both hot and dry conditions. On Thursday morning, 457 fires engulfed nearly 2.4 million acres[2.4 million ha].