Fire weather warnings remain in effect across much of the central and eastern interior again today. Eleven new wildfires were reported statewide yesterday. Most of the fires, a mix of lightning and human caused starts, are being contained quickly, but six are requiring extended response, including the state’s largest, the 46,000 acre Toklat fire southwest of Nenana. Fire Information Officer Pete Buist says acreage gains have been modest since the blaze blew up late last week. He says several factors are working to slow the fire despite recent day’s hot weather.
Extremely dry conditions have officials looking at upping suppression efforts on backcountry wildfires. The potential for large wildfires developing is high, and Alaska Interagency Fire Coordination Center manager Dave Curry says they’re considering taking more aggressive action.
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
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