Fire in relation to downtown Fairbanks (Photo from: AK. Division of Forestry) |
Firefighters in Fairbanks were battling two wildfires this afternoon and this evening that have burned hundreds of acres and caused concern across the city.
The first fire burned a four-block area south of Fairbanks, near 23rd Avenue and Gillam Street. The AK. Division of of Foresty says it is now under control, but burned some out-buildings.
A second fire about 15 miles north of downtown Fairbanks was burning Friday evening at a rapid rate, according to officials. Pete Buist, a spokesman for the Division of Forestry, said "nothing is in imminent danger there have been no official evacuations, but there have been some people who are voluntarily leaving.".
Mark Lee with the Division of Foresty says the the fire on the north side of the city, which hasn't been named yet, is about 400 acres in size and growing, although winds are pushing the smoke away from structures. Lee said it started about 2:00 p.m. Friday. Lee said there's no word yet on the cause.
Fire crews say the fire is located near Old Murphy Dome Road between Goldstream Valley and Chatanika Valley. It was creating a large plume of smoke that could be seen throughout Fairbanks.
Fire officials say the area is dry and the winds are blowing about 10 to 15 miles an hour.
