Page 4 - Beth Ipsen News Today

ANCHORAGE — The largest documented wildfire burning through tundra in southwest Alaska was within miles of two Alaska Native villages, prompting officials Friday to urge residents to prepare for possible

People are readying to evacuate as the states largest documented wildfire burns within miles of two Alaska Native villages.

The largest tundra fire in the history of the Lower Yukon valley is burning eight miles from the city of St. Mary’s. On the coast, another fire is burning within five miles of the communities of Tununak and Toksook Bay.

The fire has been burning since the tundra was struck by lightning on May 31, and it is now within 12 miles of the community.

The National Weather Service is forecasting cooler weather and a chance of rain this weekend for the Interior. So it’s canceled red-flag warnings that were in effect over the past couple of weeks. But the outdoor burn ban remains in effect, and state and federal fire officials advise Alaskans to be careful and report suspected wildfires.

The federal Alaska Fire Service and U.S. Army Alaska set fires in a big military training range near Fort Greely over the weekend. And they’ll probably ignite a few more blazes in training areas around Fairbanks over the next couple of weeks to reduce the amount of grass and other vegetation that could fuel bigger and more destructive wildfires.

Fireworks prohibited, burn ban in place for Fairbanks and much of Interior Alaska Ryan Osborne © Provided by Fairbanks KTVF Summertime fireworks are barely visible in Alaska, and are an unnecessary fire hazard in the dry season according to officials. FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - The 4th of July holiday weekend has begun and here in Fairbanks there are several restrictions and regulations surrounding fireworks and burning, due to a very dangerous dry spell. Beth Ipsen, Bureau o...

Alaska saw a slight uptick in wildfires over the past few days due to weekend lightning strikes. There are currently several active fires in the Fairbanks area, but all are

Anchorage homeless camp where cub was speared still attracting bears Print article The East Anchorage homeless camp where a black bear cub was speared to death last week was still intact Friday evening despite an eviction order from the city. Although the camp was not occupied by any people, a black bear was again rummaging through it. Illegal campers at Centennial Park were served with an eviction notice Sept. 24 by the Anchorage Police Department. The cub and a sow repeatedly returned to ...